Where are the Best Places to Own an Electric Taxi in the UK?
- A recent survey commissioned by MINI showed electric vehicle charging in the UK has seen great improvement. There has been a 72% increase in the number of charging stations year-on-year.
- The movement continues to expand to achieve the Government’s target of carbon neutrality by 2050.
- London currently has the most charging points at 7,865. This is to be expected given the city’s strict Low Emission Zones (LEZs) affects most public transport.
- The research also delved into some of the pain points currently preventing people from buying an electric vehicle (EV).
The survey analysed data from October 2019 – October 2021, taking into consideration the number of publicly available electric car charging points across UK towns and cities, and how many people drive electric cars in those areas.
Results from the survey showed that electric vehicle infrastructure is rapidly improving across the UK, seeing a 72% increase in charging stations from October 2019 – October 2021. However, the UK will need to install 500,000 nationwide charging points by 2030, to stay on course to reach Europe’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 as part of the EU Green Deal.
Table of Contents
3. What's holding people back from buying an EV
4. EV Charging Points for Taxi drivers
UK cities with the most EV charging points – top 10
| 1. London | 7865 charging points |
| 2. Coventry | 481 charging points (including 45 rapid charging points) |
| 3. Glasgow | 481 charging points |
| 4. Milton Keynes | 372 charging points (including 123 rapid charging points) |
| 5. Brighton & Hove | 345 charging points |
| 6. Leeds | 289 charging points |
| 7. Liverpool | 168 charging points |
| 8. High Wycombe | 165 charging points |
| 9. Birmingham | 154 charging points |
| 10. Sutton Coldfield | 154 charging points |
UK cities with the biggest EV usage
| London | 33,285 BEVs and 28,940 PHEVs |
| High Wycombe | 4,286 registered electric cars by October 2021 |
| Leeds | 2,664 registered electric cars by October 2021 |
| Birmingham | 1,614 electric cars registered between October 2019 & October 2021 |
MINI’s survey revealed that London is the UK city with the biggest electric vehicle usage. The result is not surprising, with the high number of publicly available charging points and Ultra Low Emission Zone. The ULEZ was made 18 times bigger in Autumn 2021, now covering 3.1 million people - contributing to the capital passing the significant milestone of 5,000 licensed electric taxis on the road in January 2022.
At The Taxi Centre, we are proud to be the sales partner for London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) in Edinburgh, Glasgow and North East England. Low Emission Zones have now been introduced in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee, with more councils set to introduce them in the coming years, and electric taxis can reduce running costs and cut out congestion fees.
EV usage in Scotland
From October 2019 – October 2021, Scottish charge point availability grew by 54% and the number of electric cars on the roads increased by 132%. The huge electric car adoption rate is the biggest across the UK’s four nations.
Glasgow’s 159% increase in ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) and 45% increase in charge points paved the way for other Scottish cities. Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee followed Glasgow’s lead, with increased charging points and ULEVs in the same period.
What is holding people back from buying an EV?
As part of the survey, MINI also asked 1,000 British people about their views on EVs. 57% of people surveyed said that the cost of charging is preventing them from buying an EV, and 41% said the cost of purchase is a barrier.
However, if you are looking to purchase an electric taxi, there are a few ways you can make it more affordable.
The UK Government has extended the Plug-in Taxi Grant (PiTG) scheme, which offers up to £7,500 towards the cost of an electric taxi, to support the private hire and cab trade’s transition to ultra-low and zero emissions vehicles.
Scottish taxi drivers can also benefit from The Switched on Taxis Loan, a 0% loan offered through the Energy Savings Trust.
Dedicated charging points for taxi drivers
As more drivers make the switch to electric taxis, dedicated EV charging points for taxi use are being rolled out in cities across the UK.
There are now over 50 TfL Ultracharge charging units for EV taxi drivers to power up in the capital, and in the North East, SWARCO Smart Charging offers 10 rapid charging points targeted at the taxi and private hire industry.
The charging points are located across Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, Northumberland, and Sunderland.
LEVC at The Taxi Centre
At The Taxi Centre, we’re excited to bring you the TX taxi from LEVC - the iconic black cab with an innovative hybrid powertrain!
The TX brings you a range of benefits as a taxi driver. Enjoy a tailored driving experience with different driving modes, and avoid Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges. Plus, by lowering your emissions you can play a part in establishing a greener future for motoring, not to mention enhancing your business image!
LEVC’s ownership guides allow taxi drivers get to grips with the technology, making the TX even more accessible. We’ve even created a helpful charging guide to help you out.
Explore our latest LEVC TX offers available at The Taxi Centre now and start revolutionising your business.
From strength to strength
With electric vehicle ownership now growing more than ever in the UK, the public charging network is expanding rapidly. This makes driving an electric vehicle easier for everyone - including taxi drivers.
There has never been a better time to switch to electric. Are you ready?
At The Taxi Centre, we have a range of electric and hybrid taxis for you to explore, allowing you and your business to enjoy greater benefits. Browse our latest electric and hybrid taxi deals now or get in touch if you have any questions.