CHANGE IS NOW AND
Car ‘N’ Cab Care Ltd has been supplying low CO2 Derv and EVs to the taxi market since 2015. Currently there is some confusion about the low emission
options now available to the trade and whether they are fit for purpose. Since the Government announcement that it intends to phase out the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid models by 2035, Car ‘N’ Cab Care has seen enquiries increase dramat- ically, so company director, Shaun Marnell, now answers the main questions and queries:
Councils across the country are committed to cleaning up the air in their towns and cities, and we are now beginning to see plans for the introduction of clean air zones being imple- mented nationwide. Councils have targeted our trade as being a big part of the problem and are encouraging licensed drivers to invest in cleaner vehicles, which together with the imminent threat of CAZ / congestion charges and increased vehicle tax has now made these vehicles a hot but often divisive topic.
I know that many in the trade would prefer to stick with diesel vehicles indefinitely, but change is already happening. However, in most areas of the country there is no immediate panic as the cleaner Euro 6 Derv engines will still be allowed for at least the next five years.
However, if you leave it too long to update to an EV you may miss out on considerable cash grants and free 7kw home chargers, worth thousands of pounds, that are currently being offered by the Government and councils as incentives.
Be warned, when the money runs out - these offers will no longer be available!
1. New Euro 6 low CO2 Derv available stock
New stock is extremely low as most manufacturers have moved towards producing hybrid or plug-in vehicles. In fact, the cost of a new Skoda Octavia 1.6tdi has increased by £6,000 and a 2.0tdi or plug-in equivalent is nearly £10,000 more.
2. What type of vehicle should I be working in? This really depends on the style of work that you do:
• If mainly motorway and long journeys then derv vehicles are still the best option for the immediate future, as they can cover the mileage and are cheaper to buy. However, future values will be diminished, road tax and running costs are expensive and you will HAVE TO pay CAZ charges.
• But for around town work and shorter jobs, a hybrid or plug-in EV would be more beneficial, as any extra cost would be negated by the great fuel saving and low running costs. Plus, the residual values of these vehicles will be much higher.
18 3. Should I buy a soft hybrid?
Soft hybrids have a tiny battery which uses electric to pull off in first gear and then converts back to full petrol or diesel for the rest of the journey. This is to lower emisions when pulling away but in actualility is just a ticking box vehicle which will still incur road taxi and CAZ charges.
4. Should I buy a hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles are a fantastic option, with no restrictions. Savings in mpg between an average 20tdi vehicle compared to a hybrid vehicle, such as a Hyundai Ioniq or Kia Niro, equates to around £80 per week in fuel per 1,000 miles. This saving will actually pay for buying the vehicle.
However, even though hybrids have very low C02 emissions of between 89g/km- 109g/km you will still have to pay road tax and CAZ charges.
5. Should I buy a plug-in hybrid and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle needs to be charged daily but can be charged from a normal outside electric socket which takes about five and half hours or by using a home installed 7kw fast charger which will halve the charge time.
These vehicles are best for drivers whose homes have a driveway or garage, as they can then be charged at night, using cheaper electricity which will cost about £1 per day. These vehicles when fully charged will do 70mpg around town, even for a large vehicle. If not charged; petrol mpg will drop to 40-45 miles.
All plug-in vehicles with C02 emissions of 50g/km or less are eligible for free road tax and DO NOT pay CAZ charges
6. Should I go fully electric?
This decision is dependent on charging solutions available to you - but can be half the running cost of a hybrid.
Below is the range for 100% full charge of the full electric vehicles that we supply - WLTD tested Vehicle
All Makes
Kia Niro Dynamo
Battery Size Plug In
Hyundai Ioniq 38kwh MG5
52kwh 64kwh 40kwh
Miles On Full Charge 20-40 miles
Up to 193 miles Up to 276 miles Up to 282 miles Up to 186 miles
These vehciles can be charged from a normal socket but to save time you will need to have a 7kw fast charge installed on a driveway or in a garage. Full charge will take around 4-7 hours and will cost around £4 per day for up to 200 miles
JUNE 2021
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