London's Electric Taxi and Private Hire Future

Description:

The electric vehicle revolution is set to move forward in London following the decision to phase out diesel taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in favour of zero-emission capable vehicles. UK Power Networks, the company responsible for keeping London’s lights on, is talking to taxi and private hire drivers across the Capital to understand their attitudes towards going electric, as a result of Transport for London’s (TfL) new licence requirements. This means that from 1st January 2018 new black cab licences will only be granted to zero emission capable vehicles and the same for private hire vehicles from 1st January 2023.

UKPN and partners are delighted to welcome Christina Calderato, Head of Delivery Planning at Transport for London as keynote speaker. Christina will set the scene for the event, considering the need for zero-emission vehicles as a means of public transport in our capital, including the policy drivers and the challenges.

This event is an opportunity for taxi and private hire trade associations, vehicle companies, electricity companies, charge point operators and supply chain, policy-makers and academia, to come together to hear the results of our engagement with the driver community. The event will deliver clear next steps so that we can work together to shape the future of the Capital’s electricity network and keep our taxis moving. Free tours of the museum will also be available during the lunch break.

Speakers will explore the issues around the transition to low carbon transport for taxis and private hire drivers, including consideration of home charging needs and the challenges and opportunities that groups of electric vehicles may pose for local distribution networks.

UK Power Networks, along with project partners EA Technology, Transport for London, LEVC and Imperial College London is delivering this initiative. We want to support taxi and private hire drivers in their move to zero emissions capable vehicles. Understanding vehicle charging needs, for example, will help utility companies understand how they need to manage the local electricity network to meet demand, which in turn could help keep customers’ bills down.