Private London hire and taxi firm Addison Lee has announced an investment in 600 brand-new, zero-emission capable Volkswagen (VW) multi-vans to replace diesel vehicles currently in service.
Addison Lee currently has 1,000 fully electric vehicles in operation and the company’s entire fleet is set to comprise carbon neutral vehicles by next year.
Addison Lee CEO Liam Griffin said: “As the first private hire operator in London to introduce electric vehicles at scale, we remain committed to operating a zero-emission fleet.”
READ MORE: Addison Lee targets full fleet electrification by 2023
Addison Lee has also built a partnership with bp pulse, ChargePoint and Bonnet to invest in the £150,000 installation of ultra-rapid charging points at its West Drayton fleet hub.
Furthermore, the private hire company has built upon its commitment to net zero through the acquisition of ‘Green Tomato Cars’, a sustainable electric car operator comparable to the Uber operational model, earlier in the year – swelling its net zero fleet.
Griffin added: “Right now, there is neither the availability of vehicles nor robust enough charging infrastructure in London to go fully electric at speed and scale.
READ MORE: Addison Lee calls for urgent investment in London’s EV charging network
“That’s why we’re investing today in a broader range of sustainable options to meet current demand from passengers – while remaining committed to our long-term goal of full electrification.
“It’s critical that we have both the right infrastructure and regulation in place to allow us to achieve this.
“That’s why we’re asking the Mayor of London to reconsider his plans to abolish the congestion charge exemption for electric vehicles.
“Removing this vital incentive will make it more costly to operate electric vehicles in the capital and jeopardise his net zero 2030 ambition for the city.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
