A NEW addition has been added to a pilot taxi system in Denbighshire.
Following feedback from hosting North Wales’ only pilot of the zero-emission green taxi system, Denbighshire County Council (DCC) has introduced a new, longer-range electronic vehicle.
The Welsh Government, which is funding the scheme, has set a target to fully decarbonise the taxi fleet by 2028.
DCC is one of the few Welsh authorities to participate.
Since it began in the county in the fall of 2021, 59 taxi drivers have taken the wheel of four wheelchair-accessible Nissan Dynamo E-NV200 taxis to be used under the “try before you buy” program.
Hackney licensed taxi drivers can try the vehicle for free for 30 days, including free electric charging at specific county locations, vehicle registration, breakdown cover and insurance.
The taxis have so far covered 56,759 miles and operated across Prestatyn, Rhyl, Bodelwyddan, St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen.
And now, following feedback from drivers using the program, the current fleet will be joined by a Kia EV6.
The Kia can travel up to 328 miles on a single charge and is designed to allow taxi drivers to work confidently through a full shift, including airport transfers, without needing to recharge.
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Cllr Barry Mellor, Senior Member for Environment and Transport, said: ‘This is one of many projects the council is running on electric vehicles which will help create a healthier environment and reduce emissions of carbon throughout the county.
“We have had a lot of positive and useful feedback from drivers who have taken part in this program to try these zero-emission taxis and discover their advantages.
“One of the suggested areas was to consider bringing in longer range vehicles to help with transportation out of county and back.
“This vehicle will provide a spacious, modern and luxurious environment for passengers with a comfortable environment free from noise, vibration or exhaust emissions.
“It also helps us to continue to collect feedback on the use of zero-emission vehicles during daily taxi operations without compromising service delivery and also to demonstrate the fuel savings and impact against climate change that electric vehicles currently offer.
“We look forward to hearing the experiences of drivers using this taxi to help us continue to chart the future of this green program.”
The vehicle will only be available to drivers who have previously participated in the program without serious incident and spaces are currently limited to 10 30-day rentals over the next 12 months.
Expressions of interest to participate will be done the same way, via the DCC website, and will open around mid-August.
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