First all-electric minicabs to hit London in fight for cleaner air

Addison Lee has unveiled its first all-electric mini cab.

Addison Lee has unveiled the capital’s first all-electric minicab in a boost for efforts to tackle toxic fumes.

The firm is to trial the £70,000 Audi e-tron for six months to assess the practicality of a vehicle that has a 250-mile range before needing to be recharged.

It is planning to install chargers at its drivers’ homes to try to overcome the shortage of charging points. There are about 1,200 in London but the majority are “slow” residential chargers concealed in lampposts, which take seven to eight hours and are best-suited to overnight recharging.

There are about 150 “rapid” chargers, able to deliver a top-up in 20-30 minutes. About half are dedicated to licensed black taxis, with other vehicles risking a fine if they use them.

Transport for London’s aim is for 300 rapid chargers by the end of 2020 but it said it had struggled to install these on streets because of disputes with borough councils about the locations.

Addison Lee will test five electric Audis on its premium Tristar chauffeur service as part of its commitment to moving towards a fleet with zero-emissions capability.

In addition, it is spending £41 million on 1,200 VW Sharan people carriers to modernise its fleet in line with the central London ultra-low emission zone. Its cars are hired about 30,000 times a day in the capital.

Andy Boland, chief executive of Addison Lee Group, said: “Integrating electric vehicles into transport networks will be central to helping cities hit air-quality targets and reduce emissions.

“We are committed to playing our part in helping to rapidly improve air quality in London and across the UK.”

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