Over £6 million dedicated for new taxi chargepoints across UK

The UK government has awarded more than £6 million to support ultra-low-emission taxis across the country, furthering its ambition for a zero-emission future.

This funding will see almost 300 rapid chargepoints and 46 fast chargepoints installed for ultra-low-emission taxis in 17 local authorities, including Greater Manchester, Brighton and Hove, Leicester and the northeast.

Jesse Norman, Future of Mobility Minister, said: “The government wants all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. Getting the right infrastructure and investment in place is a crucial part of this.

“This funding will support almost 4,000 ultra-low-emission vehicles across the country. It is a further sign that the UK is making real progress in the transition to greener transport.”

It is estimated that more than 800 ultra-low-emission black cabs and more than 3,000 ultra-low-emission PHVs will benefit from the new chargepoints, supporting a shift towards cleaner, greener transport.

Richard Harrington, Automotive Minister, said: “The UK has led the world in cutting emissions while maintaining growth in the economy. These new chargepoints for greener taxis will help accelerate a cleaner environment for people across the UK. This will also point the way for a better, healthier future for us all as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy which builds on the government’s long-standing partnership with the UK automotive sector.”

In another boost for the zero-emission vehicle and automotive sector, winners of a £14 million competition to fund hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure projects have been decided. This technology provides a range of over 300 miles and a refuelling time of three to five minutes.