In a recent survey done by Suffolk County Council, it has been revealed that Taxi Drivers believe electric vehicles are simply not up to the job of being a Taxi. This comes as it is revealed that Taxi drivers in Bury and West Suffolk cover an average distance of 26,686 miles a year. 

 

It has been unveiled that Suffolk Councils will look to move Taxi fleets across Suffolk to electric vehicles reducing tailpipe fumes and helping Suffolk’s cause against climate change. In the last year Taxis and private hire vehicles emitted 9,118 tonnes of CO2 which is equivalent to driving from Lowestoft to Newmarket 335,220 times. Taxi drivers in West Suffolk cover an average of 26,686 miles a year, which is the highest number of miles covered across all Districts.

 

In light of this information, Suffolk councils conducted research into Suffolk Taxi drivers to what they thought would be the best option, however, their response was not as expected. 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 top answer to this questionnaire was ‘Electric vehicles cannot drive far enough on a single charge’. To date, electric cars can travel between 150 miles-300 miles on a full charge, but the exact figure depends on the EV model. More expensive electric vehicles nowadays can reach heights of 400-500 miles on a full charge.

 

Other problems faced by Taxi Drivers, when moving to electric vehicles, were found to be ‘Electric vehicles that are suitable for me are too expensive’, and ‘There are not enough places to charge’. Suffolk Councils have reacted to these comments from Taxi Drivers so they can deliver on the Suffolk Air Quality Strategy and the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan,Suffolk councils now understand the barriers they need to help drivers overcome. After Evaluating the data and researching what other local authorities in England are delivering to support their taxi trades, it is clear the approach required needs to include a range of different measures, to enable effective and meaningful change, one which Taxi Drivers could take into consideration. 

 

While Taxi Drivers will remain driving Co2 powered cars, Suffolk County Council are having to look into ways to tackle misconceptions and physical boundaries produced by electric vehicles, such as distance they can travel and the lack of charging points throughout the county.  It is also clear that financial support is needed, especially in relation to the upfront cost of electric vehicles, developments to the licence policy as well as improvements of infrastructure. The adoption of electric vehicles is being supported by the Local Electric Infrastructure Fund. Using the responses collected from the drivers, Suffolk councils are now exploring options to determine the next steps to support taxi drivers in making the transition to electric.

 

Responding to the views of the Taxi Drivers, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group Councillor Gerald Kelly, 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”