5 Best Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Taxis of 2026
The shift towards electric motoring is in full swing, but if an electric car isn’t feasible for your taxi business, then a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) taxi might be the perfect solution for you.
With more cities adopting clean-air zones (CAZ) and the ever-present pressure on fuel prices impacting the bottom line of taxi businesses across the country, the allure of an electric taxi – with their cheaper running costs and exemption from clean-air tariffs – is unmistakable.
However, there remain factors to consider, chiefly having convenient access to charging facilities and the risk of costly downtime when replenishing the battery.
Nevertheless, PHEVs – which combine a degree of electric-only driving with the reassurance of a conventionally-fuelled engine – therefore represent an excellent compromise for taxi drivers by significantly reducing running costs, increasing fuel economy and keeping you on the road for longer.
As the cost-of-living crisis bites, The Taxi Centre presents its five top PHEV taxi picks that could save you and your business a packet.
What is the Range of a PHEV Taxi?
PHEVs typically feature a battery of between 10-30kWh, which compares to pure electric vehicles that have around 45-110kWh batteries.
While pure electric vehicles will achieve between 200 and 350-miles of range – depending on how you drive and the size of the car – PHEVs typically manage up to 80-miles of electric-only range.
After this the engine takes over, together enabling between 500-700-miles of total range (electric and fuel).
While the electric only range is limited, it is enough to tackle several fares in the city where the battery operates best in low-speed environments.
Overall, however, by splitting the power between electric and fuel, it means fuel economy on a WLTP cycle is greatly improved, while CO2 emissions are significantly reduced too.
The Best PHEV Taxis at The Taxi Centre
Skoda Superb PHEV Taxi
While Skoda has been busily shoring up its EV offerings with acclaimed models as the Skoda Enyaq and Skoda Elroq, the Czechia manufacturer hasn’t been ignoring its stalwart models amid the electric revolution.
Indeed, the Skoda Superb’s attributes as a hugely practical, lavishly appointed taxi need little introduction here and its popularity with private hire businesses is proof of that.
However, at a time when belts are tightening, the option of a Skoda Superb PHEV is a tempting proposition.
Available in estate trim for now – before a Superb saloon PHEV is added to the range very soon – the Superb PHEV blends a 25.7kWh battery with a 1.5-litre engine, which together generates 268bhp.
Such a sizeable battery for a PHEV is reflected in the Superb PHEV’s generous 84-miles of zero-emissions driving and total fuel economy of 150mpg, making it an excellent choice if you’re after frugal, yet executive taxi.
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Ford Tourneo Custom PHEV Taxi
If you need passenger-carrying flexibility, the Ford Tourneo Custom – which can be had with up to nine seats – is an excellent choice.
Better yet, the Tourneo Custom comes as a plug-in hybrid, which does its bit to improve the fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions that are often a compromise on a taxi of its size.
The Tourneo Custom PHEV features a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an 11.8kWh battery that powers a 92.9kW motor for electric-only range of up to 35-miles.
This has the effect of increasing fuel economy to up to 75mpg combined overall, while also reducing CO2 emissions.
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BYD Seal U DM-i PHEV Taxi
One of the nation’s most popular plug-in hybrid cars, the BYD Seal U DM-i is therefore a great prospective taxi buy too.
Having earned a loyal following among the UK buying public on the strength of its value-for-money approach, the Seal U ‘seals’ the deal by offering lots of interior space, generous equipment levels and premium quality.
They are attributes that would make the Seal U well suited to a taxi business, while also offering up to 50-miles of electric driving for a total range of 700-miles, according to BYD.
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Toyota Prius PHEV Taxi
The original hybrid has returned to the UK looking sharper than ever and now boasting an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The Toyota Prius was once the toast of taxi drivers on ranks across the UK with its ground-breaking self-charging technology, though recent years have seen its Toyota Corolla stablemate assume the baton having adopted the same hybrid format.
Nevertheless, the Prius is back as a PHEV and it has undergone a transformation with a stylish, aerodynamic design carefully curated to maximise battery and fuel use.
The Prius travels 50-miles on electric power alone, but that slippery shape contributes to fuel economy that – Toyota claims – can reach a remarkable 135mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 49g/km.
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Geely Starray EM-i PHEV Taxi
A new player in the UK, the Geely Starray EM-i PHEV arrives boasting a price tag that makes it the cheapest plug-in hybrid on the market despite being a well-equipped, full-size family SUV.
With a 528-litre boot and a bright, airy interior, the Starray EM-i is a comfortable and spacious place for fares to travel, while drivers will get use of a tech-rich dashboard and cossetting features like ambient lighting and electrically adjustable seats.
Under the skin, the Starray EM-i comes with a 1.5-litre engine paired with either an 18.4kWh battery or a 29.8kWh battery, capable of 50-miles or 84-miles of electric-only range respectively.
Buy A New Taxi at The Taxi Centre
From SUVs to family cars to executive saloons, The Taxi Centre’s used stock will have the right taxi at the right price for you.
At The Taxi Centre, we want to help you find the best new taxi deal possible.
We offer a selection of taxi finance options to help cover the costs of your new taxi in a way that suits your budget. Just one of the many benefits you get when buying a taxi direct from us.
We offer Hire Purchase (HP) on all of our new taxi, as well as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) for specific models.