More than half of London's black cabs are now electric or plug-in hybrid models, according to government figures
The Plug-In Taxi Grant, which provides grants to cab drivers looking to switch to electric models, has been extended into next year albeit at a reduced rate.
The Department for Transport announced this morning it was cutting the maximum grants on offer to cab operators to £6,000 as it extended the scheme until 5 April 2025.
The grant currently offers a discount of between £3,000 and £7,500 on the price of plug-in taxis that are wheelchair accessible, depending on the vehicle's range, emissions, and design.
The government claims the grant scheme has to date supported the purchase of more than 9,000 zero emission cabs through the scheme, having distributed more than £50m since its launch in 2017.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said the grant "has been a huge success so far".
"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," he said. "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.
More than half of London's 8,299 licensed taxis are now electric, with the number of electric taxis increasing by 24 per cent in the past year alone, according to data cited by the Department for Transport. Meanwhile, across the UK more than one in 10 taxis are now "zero emission capable", with sales of electric and plug-in hybrid models overtaking diesel taxis for the first time in 2022, it said.
Chris Allen, managing director at London EV Company (LEVC), which specialises in the provision of electric and plug-in hybrid black cabs, welcomed the extension of the grant scheme. "Today's announcement is a positive signal to the taxi trade that the government remains committed to supporting the electrification of our iconic industry and provides important support for drivers for another 12 months," he said.
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