Braintree District Council and local taxi firms have worked in partnership to introduce four new electric vehicle taxis to Braintree town centre.
The Council granted the licences earlier this year and the taxis are now operational.
The move towards electric transport will contribute to taxi provision, after a survey for the district revealed unmet demand for the service. The Council responded by licensing a further eight vehicles, bringing the total to 92. Four of these additional vehicles are wheelchair accessible and four are fully electric.
Enthusiasm for the switch to electric among licensed drivers was high, with 36 expressing an interest. A public draw selected the four licensees at random and these cars are already operating throughout Braintree District. The electric taxis can be distinguished from their petrol and diesel counterparts by special branding on the vehicles’ chassis.
The vehicles will contribute positively to local air quality and help meet targets set out in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, as it continues to look for opportunities to improve the sustainability of its vehicles.
The four electric cab drivers are early adopters, testing the approach locally.
Driver Ahsan Rafiq said: “It’s a completely different experience for customers. It’s smoother, safer and more comfortable. 99% of my customers have had a positive reaction.”
Driver Tony Wiley added: “It’s the first electric vehicle I’ve had. It requires a change of mindset but I think overall it makes me a better driver. I’m really happy with it.”
Councillor Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “I am delighted to see these four taxis leading the way in Braintree. The Council is embracing technology such as electric vehicles to make our district a cleaner, greener place to live and work. I look forward to seeing the taxis in action.”
Councillor Ron Ramage, Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “These vehicle licences help to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to sustainability. They will provide an example for others to follow and we thank the cab drivers who have embraced this new way of working, which will benefit us all.”