THE 200+ MILE RANGE MERCEDES-BENZ EVITO TAXI: How is it performing in the UK taxi industry?
The eagerly awaited all-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer arrived on the market last summer, at a price which raised eyebrows across the UK taxi industry at the time.
Since its market launch how has the eVito Tourer faired in the taxi industry and is it the future heir to the throne of its older Mercedes-Benz Vito model?
With its combined WLTP range of 217-221 miles and ability to rapid charge up to 80% in just 40 minutes, on paper the eVito Tourer should safely meet the demands of most taxi drivers. Northumberland based Phoenix Taxis were one of the first licensed taxi firms to put the new eVito Tourer into action.
Michael Carling, Managing Director of Phoenix Taxis, was impressed with the range. He said: “There’s always a concern about range with electric vehicles and at first we weren’t certain if it was going to be viable... but the van has a good enough range that we haven’t had to make any significant changes to our day-to-day operation.”
Michael was also impressed with the rapid charging capabilities. “We charge ours on site between journeys,” Michael says, “so we don’t have to pay anyone externally... but in and around Northumberland the Council have done a very good job of providing the infrastructure to make electric vehicles work.”
From their beginnings in 1990, Phoenix Taxis have supported their local community with their service. In 2012, Phoenix put the UK’s first ever electric taxi on the roads and have since been at the forefront of electric vehicle technology entering the taxi sector.
Phoenix Taxis are highly renowned in the Northeast and beyond for their 80-strong fleet of electric and hybrid taxis, which make them one of the most environmentally focused taxi firms in Europe.
Michael is optimistic about this enthusiasm for electric catching on: “If we can make electric vans work as a taxi company, where we need to have our vehicles on the road 24 hours a day and 365 days a year – then anyone can make it work... I’d be convinced that at least a few of our customers have bought electric vehicles off the back of getting in a Phoenix Taxi.”
Customers have also fed back to the firm’s Managing Director to note the quieter journeys in the fully electric 8-seater, and praise the ability to now offset their carbon footprints by choosing an electric option. “We’ve been at the forefront of using electric cars as taxis since they were first available,” says Michael. “The Tourer is the first fully electric vehicle that’s been a realistic option to use as a taxi – and as soon as we knew it was available, we wanted to be the first to get it on the road... it works for us.”
Based on the eVito Tourer L2 PRO model prices start at £51,950. The price is competitive, but for licensing authorities that require enhanced turning circle capabilities and wheelchair access, the price to convert is expected to be too high. However, for those cabbies less restricted this is definitely one to look at.
