TAXI! First fully-electric Ford MAXiCab black cab hits Glasgow streets
- Perry Richardson
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The first fully-electric Ford MAXiCab has taken to the streets of Glasgow, marking what Cab Direct says is a first for UK zero-emission taxi vehicles.
Lynda Rae, a local driver, collected the newly licensed Glasgow-plated vehicle, described by the firm as the first “true zero-emission taxi on the road in the UK”.
The MAXiCab is based on the Ford E-Transit platform and is available in three powertrain options. Drivers can choose from a 2.0-litre Euro 6.2 diesel, a 2.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) capable of 32 miles of electric-only range, or a fully-electric model offering up to 202 miles on a single charge.
The fully electric MAXiCab can be recharged from 80% to full in just three and a half hours using a wall box charger. This quick turnaround time is seen as a practical feature for operators in towns and cities, where turnaround times and shift changeovers require reliable and efficient vehicle charging.
The Glasgow launch represents the start of a wider rollout. The MAXiCab already holds full GB Type Approval as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), an essential requirement for licensing in many local authorities across the country. The vehicle has already secured approvals in several key areas, including Manchester, Edinburgh, Chelmsford, Southampton, and Brighton.
The MAXiCab’s design focuses on accessibility and passenger comfort. The multi-seat interior allows for flexible configurations, supporting both standard passengers and those using wheelchairs. According to Cab Direct, the vehicle has been developed to provide the necessary space and safety features for mixed passenger needs, reflecting ongoing expectations from licensing bodies for inclusive service delivery.
The firm has stated that the MAXiCab’s accessibility and powertrain variety make it suitable for a broad range of operators. The three available drivetrains are aimed at helping drivers choose the right mix of environmental performance, cost efficiency, and operational flexibility for their local conditions and driving patterns.
While the petrol-hybrid version offers a transitional solution with limited zero-emission capability, the fully-electric MAXiCab presents a more sustainable option for cities with clean air zone requirements. The 202-mile range on a single charge is expected to be enough for most daily shifts without the need to recharge mid-day.
As local councils step up their zero-emission targets, the release of a fully electric, WAV-approved taxi option like the MAXiCab is expected to be of interest to fleet operators and self-employed drivers alike. With licensing already in place across several major cities and towns, the vehicle may soon become a more common sight across UK taxi fleets.
