The Government has announced an extension to the Plug-in Taxi Grant, meaning cab drivers will receive £6,000 per vehicle for swapping to an EV.
The extension will run until April next year, which the government says provides certainty to those who are looking to make the switch to electric.
It says that, since its introduction in 2017, the Plug-in Taxi Grant “has been met with enthusiasm”, and has provided more than £50m to support the purchase of over 9,000 zero emission cabs – “supporting skilled British jobs in the car industry and helping to decarbonise the taxi fleet”.
Now, more than 54% (8,299) of London’s licensed taxis are now electric, with the number of electric taxis increasing by 24% in the last year alone.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Taxis are a vital part of our transport network, so it’s great to be supporting our iconic black cab industry with further funding to help decarbonise their vehicles, part of this Government’s plan to back drivers.
“From Redbridge to White City, it’s now more likely than ever that your black cab will be green, with the majority of taxis sold in London now being electric. The grant has been a huge success so far, and I’m pleased our funding will be continued for another year to help cabbies make the switch to new vehicles.”
(Picture – TfL)
