Taxi driver John is plugged in to energy saving

When it comes to cutting emissions and costs, Tameside's first electric taxi is proving to be a real breath of fresh air.

The new LEVC TXE cab, which is also one of the first of its kind in Greater Manchester (officially a London Electric Vehicle Company electric range-extender), produces less than 50 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre compared with a traditional diesel taxi which emits more than five times the amount.

It’s driven by John Vickerstaff (pictured), secretary of the Tameside Owners and Drivers Association, who commented: "People love it. It’s a six-seater, there’s a glass roof at the back, and with such a quiet engine you can’t hear anything. There are also no emissions, so it’s much better for the environment.”

"The savings are already becoming apparent. In my first week I spent £40 including the charging, whereas with a diesel taxi it would have been at least £90. I estimate I’ll save £35 to £40,000 over five years." 

Traditionally, Tameside’s Hackney Carriage fleet has consisted of diesel vehicles. A hefty 97 per cent of these are non-compliant in terms of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan and fail to meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

Cllr Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council’s executive member for the environment, said: "What John has done by changing his vehicle is to invest in the health of his passengers, the borough, and of course his own.”

"To make it easier for him and his colleagues to change from diesel to emissions-free, we’re lobbying the Government for a clean taxi fund and other incentives to reduce costs.

"If we’re successful, it would not only mean we’d all be breathing cleaner air but would help cabbies save money. John has mentioned how the LEVC taxi has already reduced his costs. It will also allow him to avoid paying the charges that will be imposed when the clean air zone is introduced."

Tameside Council is also investigating ways of installing more rapid charging points in the borough, so that taxi-drivers and other users of electric vehicles can “refuel” their vehicles more easily and in the shortest possible time.