Nottingham City Council approves all three Ford MAXiCab taxi options for licensing
Nottingham City Council has given the green light for the Ford MAXiCab from Cab Direct to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage, adding a new option for taxi drivers in the city. The decision provides a fresh alternative for wheelchair-accessible taxis, with a focus on flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency.
The MAXiCab is available in three different powertrains, giving drivers a choice between a 2.0-litre Euro 6.2 diesel engine, a 2.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a fully electric battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The hybrid model offers up to 32 miles of zero-emissions driving, while the fully electric version has a range of up to 202 miles. Charging the BEV from 80% to 100% takes just 3.5 hours with a wall box, allowing for minimal downtime between shifts.
Designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind, the MAXiCab is a large, multi-seat vehicle that accommodates a wide range of passengers, including those requiring wheelchair access. Built on the Ford E-Transit platform, the taxi provides ample interior space while maintaining the practicality needed for urban taxi operations.
Cab Direct has been actively securing licensing approvals for the MAXiCab across the UK. Nottingham joins a growing list of cities where the vehicle is now licensed, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Chelmsford, Southampton, and Brighton.
A key factor in its approval is the vehicle’s compliance with full GB Type Approval as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV). This certification ensures it meets the safety and accessibility standards required by many licensing authorities. With more councils looking to expand their fleets with low and zero-emission vehicles, the MAXiCab presents an option that balances environmental benefits with practical usability.
The decision by Nottingham City Council reflects a wider trend in the industry, where local authorities are seeking to modernise taxi fleets with more sustainable and accessible vehicles. As more cities approve the MAXiCab for use, drivers looking to transition to cleaner energy alternatives now have another option to consider.
A Nottingham City Council (NCC) spokesperson said via social media: “NCC Licensing has approved the Ford Maxicab (euro 6.2 diesel, hybrid & electric) from Cab Direct to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage.”
