"Two- or four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage" a colloquial London shortening of cabriolet, 1826
So, in recent years (we’re talking the past 3 centuries) we’ve seen taxis evolve from horse-drawn carriages, to the Bersey electric-powered cab (reaching impressive speeds of 9-12mph), followed by the first internal combustion engine cab in 1903, right up to the present day with taxi drivers reverting to ye olde faithful EV, with Teslas and the introduction of the LEVC TX in 2019.
We have come a long way since relying on various types of horsepower, and the taxi industry has been fundamental in changing people’s minds and helping them to benefit from the transition to EVs. We still have a long way to go but anxieties around range - for example - have been lessened since our taxis and fleets began to transition to electric.
What sort of benefits are we seeing?
Accelerating the transition of taxi fleets to EV taxis has exponentially enhanced air quality and lowered emissions within urban environments. London's air quality has improved significantly since 2016, and taxis have contributed to this positive change, with over 54% (8,299) of London's licensed taxis now being electric.
Steve Howard, a London cabbie whose career spans over 5 decades, told the Big Issue that he’s operated “every model there is” – but there’s no question about his favourite. “This electric cab is by far the best vehicle I’ve ever driven,” he says. “If you do a 12-hour shift in a diesel, you’re breathing it in more. If you get one spot of diesel on you, you smell. If you do a 12-hour shift in an electric, you can go home and be a normal person.”
A joint survey by the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) and climate charity Possible reveals overwhelming driver preference for electric vehicles (EVs). 98% of those who switched from diesel would not revert, primarily due to substantial cost savings. EVs boast lower maintenance costs thanks to fewer moving parts, and overnight home charging typically costs under £150 annually, compared to over £1,000 for petrol vehicles.
However, the high upfront cost of new green taxis, exceeding £73,000, poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption. This aligns with the Green Business Journal's findings that nearly all black cab drivers (94%) feel financially impacted by vehicle costs, hindering their transition to electric. There is no doubt that if electric cars were more affordable, then more taxi drivers would make the transition.
char.gy met with Steve Kenton, a seasoned cabbie, to discuss his 30+ years of experience as a London taxi driver and his transition from diesel to electric three years ago.
Do you think London taxi drivers who don’t have a driveway are put off by making the transition to electric?
Steve: It has been discussed in our group that there aren’t enough public chargers, which isn’t helped by private hire drivers who are increasingly utilising charging points designated specifically for London taxis. However, this isn’t the primary reason why some cab drivers aren’t making the transition to electric.
The high upfront cost of electric taxis, exceeding £70,000 for new drivers, presents a significant barrier to adoption. This is why removing VAT from these vehicles is crucial. It is what is stopping many people from transitioning.
We’ve come a long way since the original horse and carriage, but there’s still a long way to go… With the rollout of public charging, advocates from groups like Cabbies for Climate, and the continued government incentives, we hope that the transition to EVs is made accessible to all.