Sheffield City Council has launched a zero-emission capable taxi trial, with eight ‘black cab’-style London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVCs) plug-in hybrid range-extender electric vehicles available for two weeks.
All of the LEVC TX taxis are wheelchair accessible and aim to give drivers a hands-on experience of an electric taxi, while being cleaner, greener and cheaper than diesel.
The council is working with Sherbet, the winner in a competitive tender to deliver the scheme, which currently operates 500 electric taxis around the country.
Councillor Douglas Johnson, executive member for climate change, environment and transport, Sheffield City Council, said: “Many taxis are older, polluting vehicles and that’s why the clean air zone is about unlocking substantial grants so that taxi drivers can upgrade their vehicles to either Euro 6 or all-electric standards.
“This trial will really help drivers to decide on the best choice for their business. Electric taxis will complement other measures across the city to clean up the air and reduce carbon emissions from a vital and important part of Sheffield’s transport systems.”
The trial requires a deposit and £50 fee from each driver. During the length of the trial, the driver will receive £50 free charging at the council’s 10 taxi-only rapid charging points, which can recharge the taxis to 80% in 45 minutes.
The scheme is funded through the UK government’s Early Measures Fund for reducing air pollution. The scheme was approved by Sheffield’s Cabinet in November 2020.
