Hitting the Streets in Silence: How Many Electric Cabs are Cruising Around London?
Forget the rumble of a diesel engine, these days London's iconic black cabs are more likely to glide past with a whisper. That's right, electric taxis are taking over the streets, leaving a trail of zero emissions and, well, a lot less noise. But just how many electric cabs are there buzzing about the Big Smoke?
Buckle Up for a Shocking Number (of Electric Taxis, Not Literal Shocks)
As of today, estimates suggest that a whopping over 8,299 London taxis are electric! That's more than half of the entire fleet, folks. That's a lot of black cabs going green! In fact, electric taxis are now the most common type of taxi roaming the streets.
This electric taxi revolution is no small feat. It's all thanks to a nifty combination of government grants, stricter emission regulations, and let's face it, black cabs just look darn cool with a silent engine.
From Smoky to Sparkly: A Brief History of London's Taxi Transformation
Remember the days when hailing a cab meant inhaling a lungful of diesel fumes? Those days are thankfully fading faster than a black cab in a bus lane. Here's a whistle-stop tour of London's taxi transformation:
- 2018: The year things started to shift gears. Transport for London (TfL), the folks who keep the city moving, said "no more" to new diesel taxis and introduced a rule requiring all new cabs to be "zero emissions capable." Basically, they said, "Oi, ditch the diesel, mates!"
- 2023: Electric taxis hit a major milestone with over half the fleet being zero-emission champions. High fives all around!
- Today: We're cruising towards a greener future with over 8,299 electric cabs gracing the streets. That's progress, baby!
So, You Want to Hail an Electric Hero?
Here's the good news: with so many electric cabs around, your chances of snagging a silent ride are pretty high. Just look for the black beauty that glides up silently – that's your electric hero!
Top Tip: Some taxi apps allow you to filter your search for electric vehicles.
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've (Hopefully) Got Answers
Alright, alright, we know you're curious. Here are some quick answers to your burning electric taxi questions:
How to know if a London cab is electric?
Listen for the (lack of) engine noise! Electric taxis are super quiet.
How to hail an electric taxi?
Use a taxi app with an electric vehicle filter, or simply keep an eye out for silent black cabs and flag one down.
How much does an electric taxi ride cost?
The fare for an electric taxi is the same as a regular black cab.
How can I become an electric taxi driver?
The process is similar to becoming a regular taxi driver, but you'll need to get a license for an electric vehicle.
How cool are electric taxis?
Off the scale cool. Silent, sleek, and good for the environment? That's a triple threat of awesome.
