FREE NOW pledges support to taxi drivers for EV transition

Credit: FREE NOW

FREE NOW has announced that it is celebrating 200 years of the first licenced cab in London, by pledging its support to taxi drivers with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) while ensuring drivers continue to get the highest earnings through its app.

FREE NOW wants to contribute to future-proof the taxi industry by doubling its EV subsidy for new drivers, to £4,000, while maintaining the existing EV subsidy for current drivers and the discounts on EV charging. This is off the back of a lack of financial support from the government when it comes to accessibility, affordable charging and financial packages.

With taxis being such an integral part of city life, FREE NOW has stated that it wants to ensure that the sector continues to thrive as it moves towards a more sustainable future, as drivers move to lower and zero-emission vehicles, in line with the UK’s national net zero targets.

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The journey to EV adoption requires better charging infrastructure for drivers, and the upfront and running costs can be prohibitive, locking taxi drivers out of being able to enter or continue their careers. This is especially true in light of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing operational costs within the taxi sector.

Mariusz Zabrocki, UK General Manager of FREE NOW, said: “Anyone visiting or living in London knows that black cabs are an institution and an integral part of the city. So, it’s incredibly exciting to be celebrating 200 years since the first licenced cabs started to operate in London. Having reached this milestone, it’s an important time for us all to look at what drivers need and see what we can do to ensure that the cab is here for another 200 years. Sustainable transport options are becoming more important to passengers and drivers alike. We know that drivers need more support in the transition to EV – whether that is accessible and affordable charging or financial packages that help them purchase EV taxis. By doubling our EV subsidy for new drivers, we will be helping our drivers on their sustainability journey.”