Suffolk’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) fleet emitted 9,118 tonnes of CO2 in the last year, which is equivalent to driving from Lowestoft to Newmarket 335,220 times.
Switching this fleet to electric cars would be a major step towards reducing tailpipe emissions, improving air quality in Suffolk and reducing their contribution to climate change.
Suffolk councils conducted a survey to find out how they could support drivers to make this transition. Taxi and private hire fleet drivers were asked to provide their views and opinions on electric vehicles, including the barriers that are stopping them from making the switch.
Three widely believed barriers were identified:
- Electric vehicles cannot drive far enough on a single charge
- Electric vehicles that are suitable for me are too expensive
- There are not enough places to charge
To deliver on the Suffolk Air Quality Strategy and the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, Suffolk councils now understand the barriers they need to help drivers overcome. After evaluating the data and researching what other local authorities in England are delivering to support their taxi trades, it is clear the approach required needs to include a range of different measures, to enable effective and meaningful change.
An educational campaign is required to tackle the persistent misconceptions around electric vehicles including the mileage they can travel on a single charge. It is also clear that financial support is needed, especially in relation to the upfront cost of electric vehicles, developments to the licence policy as well as improvements of infrastructure, which will be supported through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. Using the responses collected from the drivers, Suffolk councils are now exploring options to determine the next steps to support taxi drivers in making the transition to electric.
Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group said:
“I’d like to thank Suffolk’s taxi and private hire drivers who took part in the survey, to help us understand the challenges that they face when considering moving over to an electric vehicle. Some of these are practical concerns, and some we can help myth-bust.
Through the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, we’re committed to addressing issues around air quality and low carbon transport solutions. There are many aspects to this, and everyone has a responsibility and a role to play – but I’m pleased we’re able to support our taxi drivers explore the possibilities of operating electric vehicles.”
One focus of the upcoming Electric Vehicle Experience Day at Trinity Park on 9 July 2025 will be electric taxis where drivers can test drive the latest electric taxis and ask the experts questions on their suitability.
Read the full report from the taxi survey carried out by Suffolk councils.
