Forum Topic

E-cab shortfall

I don't often use black cabs, but have just used three in rapid succession. All were the new very comfortable hybrid version. I asked drivers about running on electric. All three said (a) it only runs for 50 miles maximum, and (b) they were  using petrol most of the times. There seems to be a consensus that the environmental hopes re e-powered vehicles are not being fulfilled. Instead, cabbies are still pumping gasoline fumes into the air we breathe. Does the London Mayor realise this - or care? Anyone have comparable experience?

Alexander MacLeod ● 978d5 Comments

Hybrid vehicles do not need to be plugged in to run.How many cab fares are short journeys as opposed to long ones? I remember cabbies regularly turning down long journeys because they would take them out of their 'area'.

Philippa Bond ● 976d

Alexander, also the amount of time to continuously have to waste time charging, if you can find anywhere to charge. What if they have a customer, what are they going to say your have to wait I need to charge the taxi, or your stuck in the middle of nowhere. My son has driven customers to Dartford, then back again. So all these bright ideas have amounted to nothing.

Barbara Stevens ● 977d

That may be so, but the key point is that at 50 miles max, the range of battery driving is way below what was promised. Incidentally, the taxi drivers I spoke to were all worried about the shortage of charge points in the UK - not to mention that there are different types of charger in different places.

Alexander MacLeod ● 977d

I understand that a hybrid produces fewer emissions as the petrol motor is charging the battery.https://www.thetaxicentre.com/electric-hybrid-cars

Philippa Bond ● 977d

As I've said it's only making people pay more money all the time. The Mayor doesn't care, he thinks he's the greatest person on this planet.  Instead he's a little S--t.

Barbara Stevens ● 977d