No longer a question of whether a cabbie will buy EV, but more a question when, says Taxi Centre

A leading taxi vehicle sales firm suggested it’s no longer a question of whether a cabbie will buy an electric taxi, but more a question of when they will buy one.

Stephen Porter, Branch Manager at The Taxi Centre, shared insights on the evolving landscape of the taxi industry, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). He contrasted this to the situation five years ago, when EVs, with their limited range and slow charging, were hardly a feasible option for taxi drivers, to the present day where the advancements in technology have made electric taxis not only viable but an increasingly sensible choice.

The modern EV, boasting a range of up to 300 miles and rapid charging capabilities exceeding 200kW, marks a significant leap in efficiency and reliability. Porter highlights the economic benefits of this transition, noting the considerable savings in operational costs. The example he provided shows that charging an EV with a 77-kWh battery overnight could cost as little as £5.78, allowing for a 300-mile journey at approximately 2p per mile—a stark contrast to the fuel costs associated with petrol vehicles.

Further driving this shift is the UK Government's introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which sets forth escalating targets for EV sales, ensuring that by 2030, 80% of all new car sales will need to be electric. This move, coupled with actions by councils like Dundee, which now only issue new taxi plates for zero-emission vehicles, underscores a nationwide push towards sustainable urban transportation.

Porter added: “We are quickly approaching a world where the only cars available will be EV and many cities will begin implementing zero emission zones. 

“It’s no longer a question of whether a taxi driver will buy an EV, it is a question of when they will buy one. For a growing number of drivers, the answer to that question is right now.”