Cabbies will be able to rent an electric taxi for up to a month ahead of the Clean Air Zone launching in November. Bristol City Council’s free electric vehicle (EV) hire scheme has been extended to include licenced Hackney Carriage drivers.
In March, the council launched a new scheme offering free trials of EVs to Bristol organisations to encourage them to switch to cleaner ways of travelling ahead of the zone launching. Businesses, charities, sole traders and other organisations have the chance to trial electric vans and cars for up to two months.
This comes after the council announced last week that temporary exemptions for CAZ have been extended to the end of March next year. The CAZ will be launching on November 28 - over a year late, with the scheme initially due to come into force in October 2021.
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Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “I’m pleased to see our free electric van trial scheme has been hugely popular since its launch only a few months ago.
“More than 60 organisations have tested a van or car so far and had the chance to see what it’s like to rely on electric: exploring things like battery range, charging point access and the cost of keeping these vehicles on the road. Many have told us the free loan has made them accelerate their plans to add EVs to their existing fleets.
“Taxis are an important part of our transport infrastructure in Bristol, so we’re pleased to extend the free EV hire scheme to our licensed Hackney Carriage drivers. Getting a sense for the smooth ride and price of charging will present local drivers with a cleaner vehicle choice and the opportunity to help us reduce toxic air pollution which is so harmful to our health.
“We all have a role to play in Bristol getting cleaner air and although some petrol and diesel vehicles will be allowed in the Clean Air Zone, the EV scheme provides a helpful taster step for anyone thinking about switching to electric for their business.”
Bristol City Council said that the free EV loan scheme is fully funded by National Highways and allowed the council’s fleet services team to purchase up to 64 vehicles in batches, with 12 currently on loan and 15 arriving soon. The vehicles will be available to loan to local organisations until March 2024.
The council said that, from this month (September 2022), two of London Electric Vehicle Company's (LEVC) purpose-built electric TX taxis will be available to Bristol City Council licensed hackney drivers, for free loans of two to four weeks, as part of this scheme.
Patrick Masih, a local taxi driver, said: “I’m delighted to be part of this trial. LEVC is a very elegant, durable and strong vehicle.
"It is the way forward to improve our local air quality, reduce noise pollution and lower carbon emissions across Bristol. It is important that taxi drivers test LEVC in our current fuel crisis. Trying it out allows us to accurately reflect on the big decision and financial commitment of switching to electric vehicles.”
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