TfL consults on all-electric minicab fleet by 2028

Transport for London (TfL) has initiated a public consultation regarding new requirements for minicabs operating in the capital. The proposals suggest that from 2028, all newly licensed private hire vehicles must be fully electric. This move is intended to significantly reduce air pollution and carbon emissions generated by the minicab fleet.

TfL estimates that these changes could lead to a nine per cent reduction in harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and a 35 per cent decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from private hire vehicles within the first ten years of implementation. Over an 18-year period, TfL forecasts that CO2 and NOx emissions could fall by as much as 97 per cent.

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Extended Deadlines and Stricter Rules

While the general requirement for new minicabs to be electric begins in 2028, vehicles designated as wheelchair-accessible will be granted an additional two years to comply. These vehicles will need to meet the fully electric standard by July 2030. Alongside the electric vehicle mandate, TfL is proposing to introduce tighter licensing regulations from March 2027. A key element of these new rules would be a ban on any private hire vehicle that has reached 10 years of age from retaining its licence.

Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Strategy, stated that the proposals build on existing progress to encourage a zero-emission fleet. "Building on the progress that has already been made, this consultation sets out our proposals to strengthen those achievements and drive forward the transition towards a zero-emission fleet," she said. She also acknowledged the essential role private hire services play in providing door-to-door transport, particularly in areas with less comprehensive public transport.

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Currently, over 70 per cent of London's private hire vehicles are capable of running on electricity. However, figures from September indicate that only 35.5 per cent of the 94,661 licensed private hire vehicles are fully electric, with another 35.2 per cent being plug-in hybrids. TfL highlights that speeding up the transition to fully electric vehicles is essential for combating air pollution, which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses like asthma.

The consultation period for these proposals will remain open until 11.59pm on Wednesday, December 2. In addition to the vehicle requirements, TfL is also considering reducing the licence renewal period for taxis and private hire vehicles from two years to 12 months. Vehicles not renewed within this timeframe would be treated as new applications and would need to meet the latest licensing standards.

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, encouraged public participation in the consultation. "I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation as we continue building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable London for all," he said. TfL also intends to cease approving new systems for converting vehicles to alternative fuels, such as LPG and CNG, as well as new exhaust emission-reduction systems.