Research highlights obstacles for drivers wanting to move to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Historically, the energy sector has been the leading producer of greenhouse gases. However, the push towards more renewable sources has meant that their output has been steadily decreasing in recent years. The transport sector is the leading contributor to CO2 emissions in the UK. 27% of our total greenhouse gas emissions, totaling around 122 million metric tons, comes from transportation each year. Considering that in 2019 cars and taxis collectively covered 278.2 billion miles this is no surprise.  

Despite these figures, those working in the industry are ready to make the change. Trade magazine, TaxiPoint, recently published the results of a survey carried out amongst taxi and PH drivers in the UK. The survey shows that just over 60% of drivers have a desire to move to a Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) taxi. Nearly one in twenty cab drivers stated they had plans to switch to a ZEC vehicle in the next 12 months  

Whilst these figures are promising, the research also revealed a few factors preventing the industry from adapting to a more sustainable future. The two key hurdles identified were the financial impact of the pandemic and the lack of a comprehensive charging network in most areas.  

Impact of the pandemic  

Those in the industry are well aware of the huge impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had. As the economy opens up, it’s become clearer that its effects are likely to be felt for many years to come. According to TaxiPoint, 81.4% of cabbies wanting to make the moved to ZEC taxis are unable to do so because of the financial ambiguity that the pandemic has caused.  

Over the course of ownership, Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to run than traditional petrol or diesel engines. However, they don’t come cheap. For a 4-door saloon EV, you’re looking at a starting point of around £20,000, larger vehicles with room for 7-9 passengers, prices start between £30-40,000. And these are the cheaper options. Considering the lack of passengers most drivers have been suffering with over the past fifteen months, it’s easy to see they aren’t confident changing their current vehicle.   

Leasing is often the more prudent option when it comes to EVs. According to the London Electric Vehicle Company, which produce the LEVC TX electric taxi, 94% of taxi drivers prefer to lease their vehicles. They offer their signature TX with a finance arrangement over 5 years, costing around £170 per week. This is the only feasible option for a lot of drivers considering the £55,599 price tag.  

There is a government grant for drivers wanting to make the switch to ZEC vehicles. You can find a full list of the eligible vehicles on the .gov plug-in grant page. You don’t need to need to do anything to receive this type of grant. Eligible cars will have a £2,500 discount applied by the dealership during the purchase.  
 

EV Charging Network  

The quality of the EV charging network in the UK is the other main issue causing drivers to be apprehensive about moving to greener vehicles. Of those surveyed, who don’t yet have some form of EV, around 80% perceived the UK’s charging network as poor or very poor. This figure was slightly less for drivers who currently owned EVs. 64.8% of EV taxi drivers considered the charging network in their area as poor or very poor. Only 10% of drivers thought charging facilities in their areas were good or very good.  

It's clear that the infrastructure is not yet ready to cope with a large switch to EVs or plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). Even in the areas where cabbies rated the charging network as good, or very good, it is doubtful the network could cope if most drivers in that area made the switch to an EV or PHEV. This was highlighted recently in Eastbourne when a cab driver struggled to get his EV licensed due to fears it would ‘set a trend’ and clog up public charging points. Some councils, are more accommodating, even introducing initiatives for free charging for taxi drivers. However, the difference in capabilities between different areas means drivers aren’t confident they can successfully move to an EV. 

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