EV transition divides taxi and private hire industry as infrastructure and costs raise concerns
Updated: 21 hours ago
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) remains a contentious issue within the UK’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) industry. A recent survey reveals that drivers in three of the UK’s 12 regions consider the EV transition the most pressing challenge facing the sector today.
National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey respondents answered questions on EV adoption and sustainability, highlighting regional disparities in readiness for the transition. Some regions have made significant progress, while others require substantial investment to meet future targets.
The survey found that 40.15% of drivers plan to switch to an EV within the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 26.59% have already made the transition. Financing methods vary, with 39.16% opting to buy their EV outright, 33.5% choosing to lease, and 23.5% planning to rent their new vehicle.
However, 33.27% of drivers have no plans to transition within the next year. Key barriers include inadequate charging infrastructure, high upfront costs, and range limitations—particularly for rural drivers and those focusing on airport transfers. Some drivers also cited recent vehicle purchases or impending retirement as reasons for delaying the switch.
The National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey is a comprehensive study conducted to capture the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of taxi and private hire drivers across the UK. Launched in 2024 by TaxiPlus in collaboration with TaxiPoint, the inaugural survey gathered insights from over 1,400 drivers nationwide.
This extensive survey delves into various aspects of the industry, including operational costs, safety concerns, vehicle preferences, and the impact of technology on the profession.
