The UK’s most extensive programme for encouraging taxi drivers to upgrade to an electric vehicle was launched in Coventry on 5 September.

The Go Electric Taxi scheme (www.coventry.gov.uk) includes a range of incentives worth £2,500 for taxi drivers interested in making the switch to a cleaner vehicle — plus the opportunity for a two-week test drive for all Coventry Hackney cab drivers.

The initiative — led by Coventry City Council — is supported by a range of companies including the Coventry electric-taxi maker LEVC, Irish energy company ESB, Siemens and the taxi app Gett.

Go Electric Taxi aims to speed up the modernisation of the Coventry taxi fleet and offer a premium better-value service.

All these vehicles will offer lap-top charging, mobile-phone charging, free WiFi, card payment — and zero-emission-
capable driving.

Two thirds of Coventry residents have already said that they would specifically choose an electric taxi, if given the option.

Kamran Caan, the council’s cabinet member for Public Health and Sport, said that electric vehicles would be the norm in future years, adding: “We are committed to cutting air pollution in Coventry, because we know that this will bring health benefits to people.

"Electric vehicles are the future, both nationally and globally. I hope that Hackney cab drivers will take the opportunity to try out the loan scheme.

"The vehicles are built locally, and the number of charging points is increasing all of the time.”