A pilot taxi program has provided thousands of “green” miles to drivers and passengers since early last fall.
Denbighshire is home to North Wales’ only pilot of the zero-emission green taxi scheme.
The Welsh Government, which funds the scheme, recently set a target to fully decarbonise the taxi fleet by 2028.
The Council is one of the few local authorities in Wales to take part in the pilot project.
Twenty-eight taxi drivers took the wheel of four wheelchair-accessible Nissan Dynamo E-NV200 taxis as part of the “try before you buy” program which started in September 2021.
The pilot allows taxi drivers with a hackney license to try the vehicle for free for 30 days, including free electric charging at specific locations in the county, vehicle registration, breakdown coverage and l ‘assurance.
Over a 16-week period, from launch to January 20, the vehicles traveled 15,501 zero-emission miles across the county, delivering an average of 969 zero-emission miles each week.
Taxis also operated through Prestatyn, Rhyl, Bodelwyddan, St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen.
Cllr Brian Jones, Senior Member for Waste, Transport and Environment, said:
“It’s great to see how many taxi operators have stepped up to try these greener, zero-emission vehicles and see the benefits they bring too.
“The feedback we have received has been positive from both drivers and passengers. The taxis were mainly used as part of home-to-school transport contracts in the mornings and afternoons on most term days with a large contribution from children, some saying “it’s like traveling in a spaceship” while riding in vehicles.
“This is one of many electric vehicle projects we are running as a council, which will help create a healthier environment and reduce carbon emissions across the county.”
Following feedback from drivers participating in the pilot, the Council is considering expanding the program with the offering of a vehicle capable of traveling more than 300 miles on a single charge.
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