Taxis Head Down Electric Avenue

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24 March 2017 | Updated 01 January 1970

The Business Secretary Greg Clark and Transport Minister John Hayes were at the official opening of a new electric taxi factory on March 22 that will create 1,000 jobs in the Midlands.

The London Taxi Company factory in Coventry will have the capacity to assemble more than 20,000 vehicles a year.

Built with a £300 million investment from LTC’s owner, Geely, the plant will include a new state-of-the-art research, development and assembly facility at Ansty Park, Coventry, to develop the new TX5 model, a zero emissions taxi and other hybrid technology vehicles.

It has been supported by £16.1 million from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, through the Regional Growth Fund, which was awarded in 2015.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “The London Taxi Company’s impressive new factory and R&D facility showcases the innovation that makes the UK a world leader in the development of new automotive technologies.

"The government is committed to improving the country’s air quality and creating a low carbon economy, which is already worth over £46 billion."

The Department for Transport is announcing a further £64 million of investment to promote the use of electric taxis.

• A £50 million Plug-in Taxi Grant programme. This will give taxi drivers up to £7,500 off the price of a new vehicle. Taxi drivers who switch to the new electric cabs could also save around £2,800 in fuel costs a year.
• £14 million of investment will deliver new dedicated chargepoints for electric taxis in 10 council areas.

The £50 million PITG programme funding is part of the £290 million announced in the Autumn Statement to support electric vehicles, low emission buses and taxis, and alternative fuels.

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 24 March 2017

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