Taxi manufacturers LEVC meet Government Minister to discuss ‘need for continued Government support’
Updated: Feb 16
A senior London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) figure met with a Government Minister this week to discuss the “need for continued Government support” as the clock ticks down on a vital electric taxi grant.
Chris Allen, LEVC Managing Director, took to social media to highlight a significant meeting with Anthony Browne MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport (DfT).
The discussions centred on the UK's ambitious decarbonisation goals, focusing on the critical contributions of Geely and LEVC in steering the UK towards a zero-carbon mobility future. Allen's dialogue with the Government official touched upon the environmental milestones achieved through LEVC's flagship electric taxi, the TX, which has impressively helped avert over 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The discussions also ventured into the need for sustained government backing to encourage the widespread adoption of Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) vehicles. Allen stressed the essential role of the taxi trade in providing safe, clean, and accessible transport solutions within urban environments, urging for enhanced government support.
However, the path to cleaner transport is currently met with potential financial hurdles. The taxi industry faces an impending challenge as the Government's Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG) scheme is on the brink of expiration in April 2024. With no clear indications of an extension, taxi drivers in England could be saddled with an additional financial load of £7,500.
The PiTG, extended in 2022 to ensure continuity until the 2023/24 fiscal year, has played a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly taxis. As the deadline looms, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.
Allen's meeting with Browne encapsulates a critical time for the UK's taxi industry and environmental policy. As the clock ticks towards the expiry of the PiTG, the decisions made in the coming months could significantly influence the trajectory of the UK's zero-emission black cab adoption and its environmental commitments.
Chris Allen said via social media: “Great meeting with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in DfT, Anthony Browne MP to discuss:
decarbonisation goals for UK transport;
the contributions made by Geely and LEVC to delivering zero carbon mobility solutions in the UK (including our TX that has helped avoid more than 200k tonnes of CO2 emissions entering the atmosphere);
the need for continued Government support to enable the ongoing adoption of zero emission capable vehicles; and;
the importance of the taxi trade in delivering safe, clean and accessible transport in our cities.
“Plenty to be done with lots of opportunities to build on the recent successful investments in UK automotive.”
