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Majority of London's black cabs now 'zero emission capable'

Getty Images Black cab charging at side of the roadGetty Images
7,972 of the 14,690 licensed taxis in the capital are now ZEC

More than half of London's black cabs are are zero emission capable (ZEC), new figures show.

Transport for London (TfL) said 7,972 of the 14,690 licensed taxis in the capital are ZEC, which means they are able to cover minimum distances powered solely by electric batteries.

The number of ZEC taxis has grown by around 10% in six months.

Since 2018, all taxis licensed in London for the first time have been required to be ZEC.

Most new ZEC cabs in the city are made by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) in Ansty, Coventry, which produces the TX model.

The rule was extended to private hire vehicles - also known as minicabs - from the start of this year.

TfL defines a ZEC vehicle as one that emits no more than 75g/km CO2 exhaust emissions, and is capable of being operated with no (zero) emissions for a minimum range of 20 miles (32km)

Helen Chapman, TfL's director of licensing and regulation, said: "London's black taxis are recognised worldwide and we are proud to see that so many drivers are helping clean up our air and assist us in tackling the city's health emergency by driving zero emission capable vehicles.

"Reaching this milestone is a great reflection of how London is working hard to be a greener, more sustainable, environmentally friendly city."

Bloomberg Newly manufactured TX electric London black cabs on the final assembly line at the London EV Co. (LEVC) manufacturing plant in Coventry, UKBloomberg
Most electric black cabs are made in a Coventry car plant

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance described the increase in ZEC black cabs as "impressive".

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "Our members take great pride in driving these clean, green vehicles, and passengers enjoy travelling in them.

"With continued financial support and further investment in rapid charging infrastructure, cabbies will keep working towards a fully zero-emission fleet, whilst providing the same high-quality, reliable, accessible service London's taxis are known for."

LEVC chief executive Alex Nan said: "Other cities can learn from London's world-leading approach, improving air quality throughout urban settings, to the benefit of the public and the environment."

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