DRIVING THE FUTURE
DIGITAL AND ELECTRIC TAXIS POWER CLEANER MORE EFFICIENT CITIES
Article by Sam Pooke FREENOW UK
www.free-now.com/uk/
When considering urban sustainability, taxis are often disregarded. Yet, they’ve emerged as a crucial component in reducing emissions and creating greener cities. Advancements in digitalisation and electrification have transformed taxis from merely transportation options to key players in shaping the future of urban mobility.
According to FREENOW data, 69% of drivers currently drive an EV. This surge has been fuelled by government funding and customer demand, which has encour- aged drivers to adopt EVs. While the environmental benefits are substantial, challenges like financial constraints and limited charging infrastructure persist.
GREENER RIDES, HAPPIER CITIES
Taxis play a vital role in easing traffic congestion. They could reduce the number of cars on the road by up to 75% by offering an efficient alternative to private car use, especially in crowded urban areas. Imagine a city where electric taxis and car-sharing are the norm. The results would include smoother traffic flow, reduced commuter stress, and an improved quality of life.
Unlike private cars that often sit parked for hours, taxis are always on the go. This efficient use of vehicles amp- lifies the impact of adopting non-polluting technologies. Support programmes for upgrading taxi technology should be a priority, as options like taxi-sharing can further reduce the number of vehicles on the road, benefiting the environment and urban infrastructure.
Modern taxis, equipped with advanced geolocation technology, allow drivers to optimise routes, save fuel, and reduce passenger waiting times. This results in more affordable fares, improved driver earnings, and greater customer satisfaction.
The growing use of electric and low-emission taxis is also making a significant difference in air quality. According to the Local Government Association in the UK, electric cars produce up to 66% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol cars. According to a recent
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report from City Hall, since 2016, London’s air quality has improved dramatically, and the number of Londoners living in areas that exceed the UK’s legal air pollution limits has decreased significantly. This also coincides with London leading the way with transitioning to EVs with 17.74%(405 out of a total of 2,282) of all its vehicles falling under the electric/hybrid category. Cleaner air means a healthier environment for everyone, and passenger preferences reflect this shift as our data reveals 51% of FREENOW passengers prefer travelling in electric black cabs over traditional ones.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Despite the benefits, there are barriers we need to address, such as financial implications for drivers. A FREENOW survey revealed that nine in 10 cabbies emphasise the importance of making EVs more affordable to support drivers in this transition. To address these challenges, increased government support is crucial in alleviating financial barriers. For instance, offering low-interest loans or grants, such as the recently extended Plug-in Taxi Grant that assists cab drivers switching to electric models, plays a pivotal role.
Another pain point is the charging points for drivers. FREENOW found that 39% of drivers lack home EV charging points, and a further 70% said financial support with EV charging is important to support drivers in transitioning to EVs. Not having widely available charging points in cities impacts the costs faced by drivers to invest in their own charging points and creates a roadblock to the availability of fully electric cabs in the capital and beyond, which is critical for the sector.
DRIVING FORWARD
Companies like FREENOW are leading the way in digitalising the taxi industry and integrating various sustainable transportation options into a single app. Over the past year, over 70% of all FREENOW trips in London have been conducted using zero-emission capable vehicles.
Today’s taxis are more than just transportation; they drive the way to cleaner, more efficient cities. Recognising their vital role and supporting initiatives encouraging sustainable mobility is essential for a cleaner future.
OCTOBER 2024 PHTM
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