UK FIRST AS “GO ELECTRIC TAXI” SCHEME LAUNCHES IN COVENTRY, THE HOME OF THE BLACK CAB

Electric Vehicle PR

In electric vehicle PR news, launched in Coventry today, the UK’s most extensive programme for encouraging taxi drivers to upgrade to an electric vehicle.

The Go Electric Taxi scheme includes a range of different incentives worth £2,500 for taxi drivers interested in making the switch to a cleaner vehicle. As well as the opportunity for a two-week test drive for all Coventry Hackney cab drivers.

Furthermore, the initiative, led by Coventry City Council, is supported by a range of companies including:
Coventry electric taxi maker LEVC
Irish energy company ESB
Siemens
Taxi app Gett

Hackney carriage owners in Coventry will be getting the chance to try out the latest electric cabs produced by LEVC. Encouraging cabbies to understand more about the benefits of electric taxis.

An event this Wednesday (5 September), at Coventry railway station, has been organised. Enabling Coventry cabbies to take a closer look at the new state-of-the-art TX Electric Taxi. Additionally, allowing sign up to a 12 day loan scheme.

Electric Vehicle PR: Coventry City Council has today launched a unique scheme to encourage cab drivers to move to electric vehicles

Aiming for modernisation of Coventry’s taxi fleet. Equally, wanting to offer a premium, better value, service for Coventarians. All these vehicles will offer:
Laptop charging
Mobile phone charging
Free wifi
Fard payment
Importantly, zero emission capable driving

Two thirds of Coventry residents have already said that they would specifically choose an electric taxi, if given the option.

Cllr Kamran Caan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport said that in future year’s electric vehicles would be the norm.

He added:“We are committed to cutting air pollution in Coventry. We know this will bring health benefits to people. Particularly vulnerable residents with pre-existing health conditions.

“Electric vehicles are the future both nationally and globally. I hope that Hackney cab drivers will take the opportunity to try out the loan scheme.”

Cllr Jayne Innes, Cabinet Member for City Services in Coventry, said that she was keen to support local cabbies in helping them to look at options for maintaining their high standards of services.

She added:“We are very proud of the high standards of our licensed taxi drivers. Their key role in welcoming people to the city and supporting the local community and businesses. I’m really keen to see how drivers find the loan scheme. Especially if it can bring benefits to their business and improve standards for customers in Coventry.”

As part of the scheme, 60 initial drivers could expect to receive significant contributions towards insurance costs. As well as a waiver of several licensing fee. Valued at around £2,500. Grants from Office of Low Emission Vehicles and Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit to fund the scheme.

Jesse Norman, Minister for Roads and the Future of Mobility said:

“Britain’s black cabs are iconic around the world. That is why the Government is supporting this initiative with £1.2 million. Thus, helping Coventry to champion these new electric models.

“The Government is committed to improving the country’s air quality. In addition, creating a low carbon economy, which is already worth billions. Low emission vehicles will be a key part of that transition, showing that we can meet our climate change obligations. Also, promote economic growth.”

Among those at the event will be Kartar Sabraiwal, aged 59 who has purchased one of the new TX models. His 6th Coventry taxi. Mr Sabraiwal said that he made the investment because it would slash his fuel bills and said that it would help him make financial savings in the future as well as improve air quality.

Electric Vehicle PR: Coventry City Council has today launched a unique scheme to encourage cab drivers to move to electric vehicles

Mr Sabraiwal covers 70 – 100 miles a day and estimates he will save £400 a month from making the switch. He added:

“Electric vehicles are the future – and will mean a smoother, more pleasant ride for my passengers as well as helping clean up Coventry’s air. The fact I will be financially better off from making the switch is also a big bonus.”

In addition, the project aims to tackle some of the biggest barriers to EV uptake – which includes lack of familiarity with technology and concerns about EV charging infrastructure. In order to boost understanding of EV technology amongst cab drivers, the scheme will see four LEVC TXs used as extended test drive vehicles. Therefore, offering Coventry cab drivers a chance to see how an electric vehicle could fit in with their working habits.

Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC, said:

“Coventry has always been the home of the black cab and this new scheme will ensure that Coventry’s taxi sector has one of the most modern, customer-centric fleets in the UK. These extended trials will give drivers a chance to get comfortable with our proven EV technology and see how much the vehicle delights passengers.”

Since the start of the year, LEVC has been producing it’s TX eCity. Production has been taking place at LEVC’s £325m Coventry factory, although most vehicles have been sold in London to date. LEVC currently employs around 800 people in the city, and as production ramps up will employ around 1,500 people.

Alongside the launch of the Go Electric Taxi scheme, it was also announced that ESB and Siemens have won the contract to provide rapid charging infrastructure for all electric vehicle drivers in Coventry. Siemens and ESB are installing and operating 39 rapid charging points across Coventry. Currently at six rapid chargers, installed by ESB, plans are to grow these sites with several EV rapid charging hubs in the city. It forms part of an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Scheme.

Gareth Davis, Head of EV Solutions, ESB said:

“We look forward to working with Coventry City Council and all major stakeholders in the home of the British automotive industry on this ground-breaking project. ESB and Siemens will set the highest standards of customer services, safety, quality and reliability, and we look forward to supporting Coventry and all of its citizens as they transition to sustainable, low-carbon motoring.”

Anne Buckingham, Business Development Manager Electromobility, Siemens Mobility Limited, commented:

“This is an innovative and scalable solution to a common problem that many of our cities face and a real step forward in providing electric vehicle infrastructure that will provide increased accessibility and have real commercial benefit. We are delighted to be working with Coventry City Council, and our partners ESB, to deliver, install and maintain an efficient electric charging network for one of our nation’s iconic images, the black cab.”

Under this initiative, both, UK Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and investment by ESB will be funding the rapid charging network in the City. Siemens will supply and maintain the multi-standard rapid charging units. All rapid charging points in Coventry and across the wider ESB EV Solutions Network use 100% renewable electricity and charging at these units will be free for trial participants.

Finally – all new electric cabbies can benefit from zero commission on all fares taken with Gett taxi App for the first six months (sign up is free). Meaning that the new cabs will be turning up for lucky customers of the Gett app in Coventry.

Matteo De Renzi, CEO UK of Gett said:

“We’re proud to be working with Coventry’s newly introduced electric taxi scheme. It is important for cities to encourage drivers to move to electric vehicles in order to improve air quality. At Gett, we work hard to offer the best quality service and we look forward to welcoming more drivers of the TXE onto Gett and seeing how much our customers in Coventry love it.”

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