London’s largest private taxi company to switch to all-electric by 2023

Addison Lee operates London’s largest fleet of private taxis, with over 4,000 cars in service. He says they’ll all be electric by the end of 2023 and deliver more than 20,000 emissions-free rides per day by then.

In total, the switch represents an investment of £ 160million ($ 219million). The company intends to add 200 electric vehicles to its fleet each month by the end of 2023, starting with an order for 450 Volkswagen IDs. 4 electric SUVs. Other electric vehicles considered by the company are unknown at this time. Earlier this year, the company bought ComCab, which already had a fleet of 650 zero-emission electric taxis.

“Today we are announcing that our passenger car fleet will become fully electric by 2023, two years ahead of any other major PHV operator in London, and an investment of £ 160million. We are starting this journey with a partnership with Volkswagen and the deployment of their ID.4s, ”said Addison Lee CEO Liam Griffin in a Press release. “We are delighted and delighted to strengthen our existing partnership with Volkswagen by adding the ID. 4 to our fleet. It will be the first fully electric vehicle offered by Addison Lee and reflects our privileged position in the private rental market. “

Griffin adds,

“For our business customers, the commitment to be part of the process for a greener, cleaner London is non-negotiable. In a survey we conducted in May, 92% of them said environmental credentials are essential when selecting a ground transportation provider.

“While we need to take the lead, we cannot do it alone and there is an urgent need to act collectively if London is to become one of the most environmentally friendly taxi and ride-hailing markets in the world. A key element will be public / private cooperation between Transport for London, London Boroughs, energy companies, charging providers and businesses like ours to help develop the charging network. We look forward to working together on this most pressing issue.

“London only has a future if it is sustainable – reducing waste, conserving resources, keeping the air, water and environment clean for everyone to enjoy. As a transportation company, Addison Lee has a special role to play in this future – and today’s announcement is a wholehearted acceptance of that. “

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced last week that Transport for London will only purchase zero-emission buses from now on to support its goal of being a carbon-free public transport system by 2033. The Addison Lee’s move to fully electric taxis will encourage other transportation providers to follow suit. Those who don’t may simply find themselves left behind with not enough customers to stay in business.

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