Skip to main content

Black taxis go green with government investment

A US$30 million fund will be made available to local authorities to support the rollout of ultra-low emission taxis across the UK. The money will be available to reduce the upfront cost of purpose built taxis and to install charging infrastructure for taxi and private hire use. A further US$37 million has been set aside specifically for the Greater London Area to help taxi drivers cover the cost of upgrading to a greener vehicle. All taxis will also qualify for the government’s plug-in car grant, whi
April 2, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
A US$30 million fund will be made available to local authorities to support the rollout of ultra-low emission taxis across the UK. The money will be available to reduce the upfront cost of purpose built taxis and to install charging infrastructure for taxi and private hire use.

A further US$37 million has been set aside specifically for the Greater London Area to help taxi drivers cover the cost of upgrading to a greener vehicle.

All taxis will also qualify for the government’s plug-in car grant, which currently offers up to US$7,400 off the cost of an eligible low emission vehicle.

Local authorities are invited to bid for feasibility studies to prepare for the rollout of these vehicles in their fleets. The full guidance is available at Ultra low emission taxi scheme.

The news follows London Taxi Company owner Geely’s announcement outlining plans for a new US$371 million state of the art facility to produce the next generation of low-emission London Black Taxis.

Geely was awarded US$25 million from the government’s Regional Growth Fund to build this facility, which will create 1,000 local jobs and ensure the London black taxi continues to be designed, developed and made in the UK.

These new taxis will comply with the new regulations being introduced by the Mayor of London that will require all London taxis to be zero-emission capable from January 2018.
UTC

Related Content

  • February 27, 2015
    UK Government funding for plug-in vehicle infrastructure
    A wave of charge-points to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles will be installed across the UK after the government set out US$49 million of infrastructure support up to 2020. Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge-points to maintain Britain’s position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology. The support compliments the fast-growing popularity of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) with grant claims rising four-fold in 20
  • July 26, 2021
    Birmingham CAZ is green for go
    For urban authorities worldwide, the health of residents is racing up the political agenda. Ben Spencer looks at how one city - Birmingham, UK - has established its own Clean Air Zone and is investing in alternative-fuel vehicles and public transport incentives
  • August 25, 2016
    Government funding for Lincoln transport hub
    The UK government has announced funding for the Lincoln transport hub, including a new bus station and 1,000 space car park. There will also be improvements to Lincoln Central railway station and a pedestrianised plaza connecting the bus and rail stations. As part of the upgrade, the new bus station will provide live travel information for both bus and rail passengers, while the 1,000 space multi-storey will have up to 32 electric vehicle charging points to power the next generation of vehicles. Cycle
  • January 11, 2016
    Plug-in vehicles set to increase in popularity
    The demand for plug-in vehicles (PIVs) has increased in the UK over the last number of years, says UK Construction Media. According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of electric car registrations has increased substantially over the past 12 months. An average of 2,400 electrical vehicles was registered per month in 2015 compared with just 500 at the beginning of 2014. It is estimated that the total number of electrical vehicles on the UK roads total