Licensed drivers to trial electric possibilities

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with an electric vehicle infrastructure partner to create a trial to help taxi and private hire drivers explore the possibility of using electric vehicles for their business.

The Council, working with EB Charging, will this month launch a four-to-six week trial involving events and engagement with taxi/private hire drivers and operators across the borough.

All licensed drivers in west Cheshire will be able to find out if an electric vehicle is suitable for their business.  During the trial, a small telematics device will be plugged into their vehicles and they will continue to drive as normal. The device records how the vehicle is being used and the data is analysed to create an evaluation report for the driver, or their fleet manager.

The report usually costs around £200 but as part of this trial it is being offered free of charge. In the vast majority of cases these reports show that an electric vehicle is a suitable alternative to a petrol or diesel vehicle and operating and maintenance costs can be greatly reduced. There are also environmental benefits of using electric vehicles because they have zero tail pipe emissions.

The Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “This is an ideal opportunity to find out if an electric vehicle is suitable for your licensed taxi or private hire business.

“In eight years’ time you will not be able to buy a new petrol or diesel powered car plus consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and choosing green companies.  It could be a perfect time to make the switch to electric.

“We have been working with EB Charging to arrange some sessions in Ellesmere Port and Northwich for drivers to find out more on 23 and 24 August.”

Taxis and private hire drivers can register or find out more by emailing: 

EnvironmentalProtection@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

The drop-in sessions will be held in Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port on Tuesday 23 August and at Lifestyle Centre, Winsford, both sessions are between 10.30am and 2pm and any taxi or private hire drivers or operators are welcome to call in.

This project supports the Council’s Climate Emergency agenda and its target for the borough to be carbon neutral by 2045.