London’s largest private hire and taxi firm Addison Lee has announced an investment in 600 new, zero-emission capable (ZEC) VW multivans as it calls for more on-street charging.
With more than 1,000 fully electric ID.4s on its fleet, the firm has invested significantly in sustainable vehicles as well as in London’s infrastructure to ensure drivers have access to reliable charging options.
Although the fleet will be zero-emissions capable by April 2024, the firm is calling for more charging to ensure that its zero-emission mission can be met.
The acquisition earlier this year of sustainable operator Green Tomato Cars strengthened the firm’s position, and it has also undertaken strategic partnerships with bp pulse, ChargePoint and Bonnet, as well as an investment of £150,000 to install ultra-rapid charging points at the company’s West Drayton fleet hub.
The news comes as the firm calls for more on-street charging infrastructure so its drivers can charge overnight at home, as it looks to be zero-emissions ready by next year.
Addison Lee CEO Liam Griffin said: “Today, our focus is on enhancing our fleet and investing in the capital’s charging infrastructure, so we continue to lead the industry on sustainability while supporting our customers with their net zero journeys.”
“As the first private hire operator in London to introduce electric vehicles at scale, we remain committed to operating a zero emissions fleet. However, our experience has since shown us that we need to be pragmatic about how we achieve this.
“Right now, there is neither the availability of vehicles nor robust enough charging infrastructure in London to go fully electric at speed and scale. That’s why we’re investing today in a broader range of sustainable options to meet current demand from passengers – while remaining committed to our long-term goal of full electrification.
“It’s critical that we have both the right infrastructure and regulation in place to allow us to achieve this. That’s why we’re asking the Mayor of London to reconsider his plans to abolish the congestion charge exemption for electric vehicles. Removing this vital incentive will make it more costly to operate electric vehicles in the capital and jeopardise his net zero 2030 ambition for the city.”
Image courtesy of Addison Lee
