Sheffield City Council has launched a new scheme enabling local taxi drivers to try out an electric taxi.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Eight \u201cblack cab\u201d style London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVCs) will be available for two weeks.<\/p>\n
Councillor Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: \u201cThere are big benefits to our drivers in switching to electric, reduced maintenance costs – refuelling is cheaper, and it is better for the environment.<\/p>\n
The scheme is now open for drivers licensed with Sheffield City Council – the trial requires a deposit and \u00a350 fee for each driver.<\/p>\n
However, during the trial, drivers will receive \u00a350 free charging at the council\u2019s 10 taxi-only rapid charging points. These will recharge the taxis to 80% battery capacity in 45 minutes.<\/p>\n
The council are collaborating with Sherbet, an electric taxi company, to implement the scheme. At present, they operate 500 electric taxis around the country.<\/p>\n
All of the electric taxis are also fully wheelchair accessible.<\/p>\n
The scheme is funded via the government\u2019s Early Measures Fund for reducing air pollution and was approved by Sheffield\u2019s Cabinet in November 2020.<\/p>\n
Councillor Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, added: \u201cThe electric taxi trial will really help drivers to decide on the best choice for their business.<\/p>\n
\u201cElectric 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\u2019s transport systems.\u201d<\/p>\n
The council has uploaded a video introducing the scheme on its YouTube channel:<\/p>\n