Taxi drivers in Suffolk believe electric vehicles (EV) are too expensive, cannot drive far enough on a single charge, and there aren’t enough places to charge.
The findings come from a report for Suffolk councils on transitioning the taxi fleet to EVs to reduce tailpipe emissions and improving air quality.
Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) fleet emitted 9,118 tonnes of CO2 in the last year, which is equivalent to driving from Lowestoft to Newmarket 335,220 times.
Taxi and private hire fleet drivers were asked to provide their views and opinions on electric vehicles, including the barriers that are stopping them from making the switch.
The three main barrier were:
- Electric vehicles cannot drive far enough on a single charge
- Electric vehicles that are suitable for me are too expensive
- There are not enough places to charge
After evaluating the data and researching what other local authorities in England are delivering to support their taxi trades, the local authorities said it was “clear the approach required needs to include a range of different measures, to enable effective and meaningful change”.
The councils said an educational campaign is required to tackle the persistent misconceptions around electric vehicles including the mileage they can travel on a single charge. In addition, they said there was a need for financial support for the upfront cost of EVs, developments to the licence policy as well as improvements of infrastructure, which will be supported through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund.
Options are now being explored on the next steps to ensure the transition.
Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group said:
“I’d like to thank Suffolk’s taxi and private hire drivers who took part in the survey, to help us understand the challenges that they face when considering moving over to an electric vehicle. Some of these are practical concerns, and some we can help myth-bust.
Through the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, we’re committed to addressing issues around air quality and low carbon transport solutions. There are many aspects to this, and everyone has a responsibility and a role to play – but I’m pleased we’re able to support our taxi drivers explore the possibilities of operating electric vehicles.”
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