If you want to enjoy some of the benefits of an electric taxi but still want to fuel it the traditional way, then a hybrid taxi is a great option.
Hybrids offer the taste of an electric vehicle with an electric motor, with the reassurance of a traditional petrol or diesel engine. For many taxi drivers, this means that making a more sustainable choice doesn't have to dramatically change the way they drive or working routine. Explore our new hybrid taxis for sale now at The Taxi Centre.
At The Taxi Centre, we offer a wide range of new hybrid taxis for sale, giving you the best of both worlds. These include models like the Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia e-TEC, Nissan Qashqai E-Power, Kia Niro, and more.
Driving a new hybrid taxi could benefit you in several ways, including:
Learn more about the differences between electric and hybrid taxis on our hub page.
The only thing better than finding the perfect new taxi? Getting it at a fantastic price! At The Taxi Centre, we offer flexible finance options to help cover the costs of your new hybrid taxi.
All so you can buy with confidence and split the cost into manageable monthly instalments according to your budget. We offer Hire Purchase (HP) on all our standard taxis and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) on purpose-built taxis like the LEVC TX. If you're unsure about finance, get in touch with a member of our team who will be happy to assist.
At The Taxi Centre, we're not just here for you but for your business too. That's why we keep you posted on all the latest government grants and incentives available to you as a taxi driver. So you can get all the financial support needed to buy a new hybrid taxi.
When it comes to new hybrid taxis, there are a few different types. There are full hybrids (FHEVs), mild hybrids (MHEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and those with a range extender.
The main differences between these are in the way they are powered. Full hybrids can run solely on electric power, fuel, or a combination of the two making them incredibly versatile. With mild hybrids, the engine and electric motor will always work alongside each other equally. Plug-in hybrids feature a larger battery which will need to be recharged by plugging the car into an electric power source.
Hybrids with a range extender will feature a small petrol engine which acts as a reserve for when the battery level becomes low. These are always electrically driven, though not fully as the generator kicks in when needed to help maintain the battery level.
Read our article on the understanding hybrid vehicles to find out which hybrid is best for you.
If you go for a plug-in hybrid like the Kia Niro PHEV, you'll want to be confident with how to charge it. Charging times will generally vary depending on factors like:
You can charge a new hybrid taxi at home using either a standard three-pin plug or a wall-mounted charging box. For the fastest results, we recommend a wall-mounted charging box. You'll also find plenty of charging points on the go throughout your workday, with over 48,000 public charging points nationwide at your service. Costs for these may vary, though the good news is that many of these are rapid chargers, allowing you to charge your taxi from 0-80% in as quick as 30 minutes. Great for a quick top up!
At The Taxi Centre, we offer a range of services to make buying your new hybrid taxi even easier. From flexible finance options to free nationwide delivery, you're sure to have a great experience when buying direct from us.
Other reasons to buy a new hybrid taxi from The Taxi Centre:
Are hybrid cars good for taxis?
Hybrids make a great choice for a taxi for several reasons. These include:
What is better, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid taxi?
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are both effective options if you're looking to lower your emissions and fuel costs. However, the question of whether a hybrid or plug-in hybrid is better for you depends on your working routine and driving preferences.
If you have very little time on shift and dont want to have to stop and re-charge, a full or mild hybrid may be a better option for you. These use regenerative braking to capture and store energy lost during deceleration and use this to recharge the battery. In contrast, if you'd prefer to maximise your electric range, a plug-in hybrid may suit you better. Made with larger, more powerful batteries, these offer an increased electric driving range. They will, however, need plugging in to recharge.
How long do new hybrid taxis last?
Typically, hybrid cars are expected to last for up to 15 years - similar to that of a normal petrol or diesel car with good care and maintenance. Since hybrids use a combination of petrol and battery power in proportion, they are more likely to last longer. This means that with regular servicing, careful handling and good maintenance, a hybrid car should last you just as long as a normal car - if not more.
At what speed do new hybrid cars switch from battery power to petrol power?
Generally speaking, this will depend on the make and model of the car, and the speed at which you're travelling. In most cases, electric power is most efficient at lower speeds when navigating busy town centres for instance. When driving along the motorway, the system will switch to petrol power once a certain speed is reached in order to maximise efficiency.