CABBIES FOR THE CLIMATE: Taxi driver details his move to electric and why more help is needed to attract others
A new campaign, Cabbies for the Climate, launched by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) in partnership with climate charity Possible, seeks to position London’s cabbies at the forefront of climate action.
The initiative challenges common perceptions that taxi drivers resist environmental policies, highlighting that a significant proportion are concerned about the effects of climate change.
Surveys reveal that one-third of cab drivers express concern over climate issues, and an overwhelming 90% agree that reducing congestion and the number of private vehicles on the road would benefit their work. The campaign also amplifies calls for greater support to help drivers transition to electric taxis, with 60% of black cabs already electric. However, the remaining 40% continue to run on diesel, largely due to financial barriers.
Steve Kenton, a seasoned cabbie with over 30 years of experience, explains the personal and environmental benefits of switching to an electric taxi. Kenton recalls the striking improvement in both the quality of the vehicle and his own health after making the transition. He notes, “It was like going from night to day. Not only did I stop coming home smelling of diesel, but my breathing improved too.”
Despite these benefits, cost remains a major hurdle for many drivers. Electric taxis come with a hefty price tag starting at £73,000, excluding financing costs. While schemes such as the plug-in taxi grant have helped some, Kenton believes more comprehensive financial support is essential for making the switch feasible for all drivers. Without it, driver retention could become an issue as the industry faces the inevitable shift away from diesel.
Kenton acknowledges that the transition to electric vehicles represents a broader evolution in motoring, one that will come with challenges. However, he remains optimistic that with the right approach, the move to cleaner vehicles will be a positive step for both drivers and the wider community.
Kenton said: “I always believed that I was driving a fantastic vehicle when I was driving a relatively modern diesel taxi, but switching to an electric vehicle was like going from night to day. It’s a more responsive, more advanced and best of all, cleaner cab. It was also rather nice not coming home, smelling of diesel after every shift. I was quite surprised to discover that my breathing has also improved because I’m not breathing in those diesel fumes day-in, day-out. It has occurred to me that if I am inhaling those fumes on a daily basis as a taxi driver, then obviously the whole of London is breathing in those same fumes - from all diesel vehicles. This factor was a major justification in switching from a diesel taxi to an electric taxi. Switching from diesel to electric was certainly one of the best moves that I have made from a business perspective.
“Some individuals and companies are better placed than others to help tackle climate change but, since we are all affected by current climate issues in some way, we should all try and become more invested in initiatives that may help tackle climate change. Ultimately we all breathe the same air so the cleaner the air the better it will be for everybody.
“An electric vehicle starts at around £73,000, without the finance costs. When I switched, I was lucky enough to have a plug-in taxi grant available to me and the finance package was relatively low and affordable at the time. I made the change a few years ago, I felt it was the right time for me to do it from a financial perspective.
“I can’t answer for anyone else because every taxi driver has their own business model, but eventually all diesel taxis will have to be removed from London's streets – and many have already been phased out, so every taxi driver will eventually have to make the change. For those drivers, there has to be the right schemes and packages in place to make switching affordable - It has to suit their business model. Without that, there could be issues in the future regarding driver retention – but if it’s done right, it will be a good move for drivers to switch from diesel to EVs.
“Motoring is changing, it’s evolving. In any evolution, there’s going to be growing pains. But everything is achievable if it’s done in the right way and with a holistic approach, not just for drivers, but for everybody in the mix.”
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