With an increasing shift towards vehicles powered by electricity in recent decades, it’s perhaps little wonder that taxi firms in the UK are either converting their fleets to EVs, or seriously considering doing so.

While this might take a considerable investment, in both the vehicles and the Electric Vehicle Chargers, the positive benefits of doing so are hard to ignore, many of which can be passed on to passengers.

What are the benefits of EV taxis?

The primary benefit associated with electric taxis is their positive impact on the environment. Producing no exhaust pipe emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter, they can help to improve the quality of the air, particularly in urban areas.

Such a reduction in emissions can play a vital role in helping to combat climate change, and create cities and towns that are cleaner and healthier for everyone.

In addition, electric taxis don’t contribute towards noise pollution in the same way that traditional taxis do, due to their lack of an internal combustion engine. Operating silently, a reduction in noise levels can significantly enhance the quality of life for both people living in towns and cities, and pedestrians.

So, let’s look at the distinct benefits that electric taxis offer passengers:

• A smooth and comfortable ride

Delivering instant torque that guarantees swift acceleration and a smoother driving experience, electric taxis give passengers a more comfortable ride.

Also, many electric vehicles have features and amenities that are more advanced than regular taxis, such as interiors that are more spacious, enhanced safety features, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems that when combined, can give passengers a far more pleasant ride.

• Lower fares

Despite the fact that the initial purchase cost of electric taxis is significantly higher than that of a regular taxi, companies are able to run their EVs at a lower cost, which can be passed on to passengers in the form of lower fares.

• Knowing that they’re not contributing to global warming

For many of today’s modern passengers, knowing that they’re riding around in a petrol or diesel-guzzling vehicle, doesn’t make them feel particularly good about their contribution to global warming, with many passengers happy even to pay more to travel in an EV.

What are the potential concerns for taxi firms seeking to convert their fleets to EVs?

In spite of electric vehicles being a far cleaner, greener option, the success of any taxi company with electric vehicles in their fleet, may well depend on the following:

• A robust charging infrastructure

A network of charging stations must be in place at strategic locations, and may require significant investment.

• Range and charging capabilities

Taxi firms must ensure that their EVs are equipped with the latest in battery technology, to be able to offer longer driving ranges and highly efficient charging.

EV charging solutions have enabled more taxi firms in the UK to make the switch to electric vehicles, and with lower fares a highly attractive prospect for most UK taxi passengers, electric vehicles and electric taxis are helping to make transportation in the UK a far cleaner, greener and sustainable prospect.