FAQs
How much are electric taxis?
You won't be surprised to hear that prices for electric taxis will vary, depending on which make and model you choose.
Though they can be a more expensive investment initially, buying an electric taxi could save you a lot of money in the long run. Think lower running costs, zero road tax and even government grants for new taxis.
We offer taxis from a range of manufacturers, including Ford, Nissan, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Toyota, MG, Kia, and now, LEVC. Explore electric and hybrid taxis here.
What brands of electric taxis are available?
When it comes to electric taxis, you'll be spoiled for choice, as there are new models being introduced each day by different manufacturers. The future really is electric!
Why not explore our current range and find your perfect taxi?
We now offer a range of new, adaptive electric taxis from the LEVC. These are available with added mobility features to accommodate passengers with a wheelchair.
Exlore the LEVC range here.
Are electric taxis more expensive?
Though electric taxis can be a more expensive initial investment, you'll gain from lower running costs in the future.
This is thanks to reasonably cheap (if not free) public charging , and a variety of home charging options to give you cheaper tariff rates.
You'll also pay zero road tax, and if that wasn't enough of an incentive, you could also be eligible for the government's plug-in taxi grant (PiTG). Read more about the grant in 'Can I get a grant to buy an electric taxi?'
In a nutshell, making the switch to an electric taxi is sure to have a great impact on your business, and making the switch could save you up to £2,800 a year in fuel costs, according to the LEVC.
How long does the battery last?
The average lifespan for an electric taxi battery is estimated to be from 8-10 years, which is actually similar to that of a traditional combustion engine vehicle (which equates to about 200,000 miles). The benefit of electric is that there are no harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
Electric vehicles consist of a battery pack made with lithium-ion, which will understandably decrease over time. Most manufacturers will offer a warranty period for your vehicle's battery, so you can rest assured you're covered.
Are all electric vehicles automatic?
Yes - electric taxis are automatic.
This is because they use a single gear and there are no multiple gears required to control the taxi's speed unlike a petrol or diesel engine.
To make things super simple, this same gear will also perform several functions including reverse, where all you need to do is select forward, reverse, neutral or park.
This makes for a simpler, smoother drive for you and your passengers without the hassle of changing gears while in traffic.
How do electric taxis work?
Electric taxis work based on a battery pack that is recharged using an electric power source- just like your phone or tablet!
With an EV, these batteries power an electric motor which helps power your vehicle's wheels and get you moving.
When driving an EV, you might notice a much lighter feeling with a more instant response, as they accelerate faster than traditional combustion engines.
How long will it take to charge your electric taxi?
As with anything powered by a battery, at some point it will need recharging. Thankfully, charging an electric vehicle is fuss-free and it should only need to be topped up in between longer journeys to keep things rolling.
Charging times will vary depending on the size of your vehicle's battery and the charging source you use. You can use a standard three-pin plug, a mounted socket, or a tethered charger, and depending on the capacity of the charger:
- Slow chargers (3kW) = between 8 and 10 hours
- Fast chargers (7kW-22kW) = between 3 and 4 hours
- Rapid chargers (43kW+) = between 30 and 60 minutes (note these are only usable with compatible EVs).
Source: EDF Energy
How far can you go in an electric taxi?
Most electric vehicles can travel an average of over 200 miles on a single charge, though it's recommended that you top up your vehicle charge regularly to enhance its longevity.
Higher-end EVs with a more expensive price however can offer a range of over 400 miles, so the range is constantly improving thanks to advanced technology.
With future developments and improvements to public charging, whatever the range of your EV you needn't worry, as there will be plenty of charging points for you to access during your workday.
What is the best electric taxi?
A tough one to answer, because there are so many great options out there with more being added each day! For this we encourage you to find out for yourself and explore our current electric vehicle range. Find the perfect taxi that works for you and your business.
Are electric taxis better for the environment?
Perhaps their biggest selling point, electric taxis are indeed better for the environment. With electric taxis, there are no harmful emissions to the environment as with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), so they will have a big impact on our ability to reduce CO2 emissions.
The growth of the UK electric vehicle market means that motorists will reduce their emissions. Expanding this growth across the industry will allow the nation to work towards a goal of net-zero, for greener motoring everywhere.
Are electric taxi charging stations free?
Some electric taxi charging stations are free to use, though not all. It's best to check this before your visit so you're prepared. Leading charging service Zap Map estimates that out of around 35,000 charging points on their tracker, only 5,430 of these are free to use. *
If you do end up using a charging point which isn't free, prices are usually reasonable - especially when compared to the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel engine!
*As of June 2022
Source: Zap Map
Are electric taxis exempt from road tax?
Since they produce zero emissions unlike a standard petrol or diesel engine, electric taxis are exempt from road tax. This is because the electricity will come from either an external power source or storage not connected to any source of power while the vehicle is moving.
However, according to government guidelines you must still register your vehicle for tax even if you are exempt. Failure to do so can lead to a fine.
Can you charge an electric taxi at home?
Another great thing about having an electric taxi is that you can charge it from the comfort of your own home! To do this you'll need off-street parking (e.g., a driveway or garage), an electric charger installed, and the correct cables to connect it to your vehicle.
All you need to do is have the charger installed in the appropriate charging location and plug it in to your vehicle! Home charging is generally slower than public charging, though it's great for topping your taxi up overnight so you're all set for the next day.
Can I get a grant to buy an electric taxi?
Yes- you can!
The UK government are currently running the plug-in taxi grant (PiTG) offering a maximum discount of up to £7,500 off the cost of new, purpose-built taxis, depending on the range, emissions, and design of your vehicle.
Exclusively for taxi drivers, this grant could help you save money on the purchase of a new taxi for your business, meaning there's never been a better time to make the switch.
This way, you can offer a more sustainable service to your customers for less! Ready to find your new electric taxi? Explore our range now.
