Going 'green' could prove 'game changer' for region's taxi and private hire sector

The workshop-style forum will also inform cabbies of the region’s expanding EV rapid charging network.

A free event, it is open to all hackney carriage and private hire licence holders in the North East.

It takes place at Gateshead International Stadium, on Neilson Road, off the A184 in Gateshead, on Tuesday, April 12, from 10.30am - 1pm.

Read more: Electric cars: all your charging questions answered

Cenex, the UK’s first established centre for excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, is hosting the workshop to highlight the capabilities of electric vehicles and chargers to local traders.

Regional transportation body Transport North East (TNE) believes making the switch could prove a “game changer” for many in the local taxi and private hire business.

TNE managing director Tobyn Hughes said: “Events like this are instrumental in demonstrating to traders the propensity of electric car travel and the opportunity we have to increase the number of taxis powered by electricity and other sustainable fuels in the region.

“This event will demonstrate to traders that the future is electric and will help to build on the progress we have made so far in installing ten electric vehicle charging points, eight of which are currently live and in use, especially for taxis across the North East, thanks to funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

“Swapping existing fleet vehicles for greener, more sustainable modes of transport will ultimately move us closer to achieving the aspirations set out in the North East Transport Plan and our newly published Zero-Emission Vehicle Policy, both of which tackle the urgent need to decarbonise the region’s transport sector by 2035.”

TNE will deliver informative talks on the Ultra-Low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme, while attendees will also hear from traffic technology group SWARCO Smart Charging and from Cenex on the wide range of electric taxi and private hire vehicles available on the market.

The London Electric Vehicle Company will bring two TX electric taxis for demonstration, allowing traders to experience electric fleet vehicles for themselves.

Given the Government’s decision to phase out all petrol/diesel cars and vans by 2030, with hybrid vehicles following from 2035, and the planned introduction of a Government Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead, the workshop is considered a timely event to help traders make the switch.

Representatives of SWARCO Smart Charging, which has installed and now manages the infrastructure to boost electric travel in the North East, will be speaking at the event about the extensive EV chargepoint network available for trade vehicles in the region and the support available to assist the taxi industry in electrifying their fleet.

Carl Christie, senior fleet specialist at Cenex, said: “Electric taxis can play a key role in reducing emissions and poor air quality in city centres, and reduce running costs for operators.

“This informative workshop will give drivers the confidence to evaluate the impacts of going electric, help to identify preferred chargepoint locations, and highlight the support available across the region.

“The North East is moving in the right direction in decarbonising transport, and Cenex is proud to contribute to that journey.”

Tuesday's workshop will finish with a question and answer discussion, with refreshments provided and free parking available onsite.

Taxi and private hire companies are required to register their attendance via  www.eventbrite.co.uk, prior to arrival.

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