Sheffield City Council has launched a new scheme enabling local taxi drivers to try out an electric taxi.
The scheme aims to provide drivers with a practical experience of an electric taxi, while being cleaner, greener and saving on the cost of diesel.
Eight “black cab” style London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVCs) will be available for two weeks.
Councillor Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “There are big benefits to our drivers in switching to electric, reduced maintenance costs – refuelling is cheaper, and it is better for the environment.
The scheme is now open for drivers licensed with Sheffield City Council – the trial requires a deposit and £50 fee for each driver.
However, during the trial, drivers will receive £50 free charging at the council’s 10 taxi-only rapid charging points. These will recharge the taxis to 80% battery capacity in 45 minutes.
The council are collaborating with Sherbet, an electric taxi company, to implement the scheme. At present, they operate 500 electric taxis around the country.
All of the electric taxis are also fully wheelchair accessible.
The scheme is funded via the government’s Early Measures Fund for reducing air pollution and was approved by Sheffield’s Cabinet in November 2020.
Councillor Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, added: “The electric taxi 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 council has uploaded a video introducing the scheme on its YouTube channel: