Are electric taxis becoming more common in London than diesel taxis?
Updated: Oct 7
The streets of London are witnessing a significant shift in their iconic black taxi fleet. Electric taxis are increasingly becoming the norm, gradually edging out their diesel counterparts.
With 14,551 taxi vehicle licences currently active in the city, 8,700 are now electric and zero-emission capable (ZEC). This marks a notable milestone as the capital leans into cleaner, greener urban transport.
The first electric taxi, the LEVC TX, entered the London trade back in early 2018. This model was developed in response to stringent new regulations aimed at reducing the capital’s air pollution levels. From 1 January 2018, Transport for London (TfL) mandated that all newly licensed taxis must be capable of zero emissions, effectively closing the door on diesel-only models. This regulation applies to new taxis being licensed, although older diesel vehicles already in service remain on the roads.
The regulatory push has accelerated the adoption of electric and hybrid taxis, leading to a more eco-friendly fleet. Each electric taxi represents a step towards reducing harmful emissions, supporting London’s broader goal of improving air quality and tackling climate change. Diesel models, once the backbone of the fleet, are now slowly fading from the licensing records.
Despite the new diesel ban, the shift to electric taxis isn’t happening overnight. The fleet still contains older, diesel-powered cabs that were licensed before the 2018 regulations. However, as these vehicles reach the end of their service life, more electric cabs are expected to take their place, continuing the trend towards a cleaner taxi network.
The move from diesel to electric represents a pivotal shift for London’s black cab trade—one that not only aligns with environmental targets but also signals the changing nature of urban mobility in the capital.
