Mayor of London to face scrutiny over Heathrow Airports planned removal of black cab EV charging at feeder park
- Perry Richardson
- 37 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Concerns have been raised over the future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure used by London taxi drivers at Heathrow Airport, after claims that existing charging points at the airport’s Taxi Feeder Park are due to be permanently decommissioned before replacement facilities are available.
In a written question submitted ahead of Mayor’s Question Time, Caroline Russell asked the Mayor of London to clarify what discussions have taken place with Heathrow Airport regarding the reported decision and what support is being provided to electric taxi drivers.
Russell’s question follows information reportedly provided by representatives of London’s licensed taxi trade, who claim that Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited has issued formal notice that EV charging points within the Taxi Feeder Park will be permanently removed.
According to the information cited, a replacement Rapid Charging Hub is not expected to be installed until late 2027 or early 2028 and remains subject to capital approval processes.
London Assembly member Caroline Russell has asked the Mayor to explain what action is being taken after reports that electric vehicle charging facilities for black cab drivers at Heathrow Airport are set to be permanently removed.
The Assembly member is seeking details on when the Mayor and Transport for London were informed of the decision and whether they were notified before Heathrow issued notice to drivers and trade representatives.
Russell has also requested information on any discussions held between City Hall, TfL and Heathrow Airport concerning the removal of the charging infrastructure. The question comes as London’s taxi fleet continues its transition towards zero-emission capable vehicles, with thousands of licensed black cabs now operating as electric vehicles.
A further part of the question asks what action the Mayor, TfL and taxi trade unions are taking to ensure around 9,500 licensed electric black cabs can continue operating effectively at Heathrow during the period between the removal of the existing chargers and the proposed opening of replacement facilities.
The issue is likely to be of significant interest to the taxi trade, given Heathrow’s role as the capital’s most important and biggest taxi rank. Th passenger transport hub is relied on by many drivers as a place to charge their taxis on feeder park facilities while waiting for airport fares. Any reduction in charging availability could create challenges for drivers looking to work zero-emissions in the area.
The Mayor’s formal response is expected to provide further detail on the extent of City Hall’s involvement and any measures being considered to mitigate the impact on electric taxi drivers if the reported decommissioning proceeds.
