Taxi drivers with certain older vehicles could receive up to £10,000 off the cost of an electric vehicle thanks to a new program started by a key local authority aimed at getting drivers to switch from petrol and diesel cars.
Cardiff City Council has introduced a grant for taxi drivers in the area to support the city’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2030.
The initiative offers drivers of Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel vehicles the chance to apply for funding to help them upgrade to cleaner options.
Grants range from £5,000 to £10,000 per vehicle, assisting drivers in buying more efficient Euro 6 models or fully electric vehicles.
This push for greener transport follows studies showing that full-time UK taxi drivers travel between 25,000 and 45,000 miles each year, adding significantly to pollution and worsening air quality.
By comparison, the average UK driver covers just 7,500 miles annually, and diesel and petrol vehicles cause more environmental damage per mile.
Councillor Dan De’Ath noted: “Transport makes up about one-third of Cardiff’s carbon emissions, and the health risks from dirty air are clear to everyone. These grants are a step toward cleaning up the city’s taxi fleet and steering this key part of our transport system toward a more sustainable future.”
The council has already invested £200,000 in grants to help taxi drivers switch to greener vehicles, a move that ties into its broader plan to hit net zero by 2030.
Councillor Michael Michael stressed that climate change is “without question” the biggest global issue of our time. The council declared a climate emergency back in 2019 and has been pushing hard to become carbon neutral by the end of the decade.
He added: “Through our One Planet strategy, we’ve got projects either underway or ready to launch that will cut our emissions by 57% by 2030. We’re also working on new proposals with solid business plans to ensure the council goes fully carbon neutral by then.”
Cardiff’s efforts build on a similar program from the previous Conservative Government, set to end on April 5. That scheme, called the Plug-in Taxi Grant, gave drivers up to £6,000 off electric taxis with a range of 70-plus miles and emissions below 50g of CO2 per kilometer.
A smaller £3,000 grant was available for zero-emission vehicles with ranges between 10 and 69 miles and the same low emissions limit.
Since starting in 2017, the Plug-in Taxi Grant has handed out over £50 million, helping drivers buy more than 9,000 zero-emission taxis, according to government figures.
Former Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne previously said taxis are “essential” to the transport network.
He commented: “From Redbridge to White City, your black cab is more likely to be green these days, with most taxis sold in London now electric. The grant has worked brilliantly so far, and I’m glad we’ve kept the funding going another year to help drivers upgrade.”
| Visit for More News and Updates | WSOA NEWS |
FAQ’s
Who is eligible for the Cardiff taxi grant?
Taxi drivers using Euro 4 or Euro 5 diesel vehicles in Cardiff can apply for a grant ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 to switch to a more fuel-efficient Euro 6 or electric vehicle.
How much financial support can taxi drivers get?
The grants range from £5,000 to £10,000 per vehicle, depending on eligibility and the type of vehicle being purchased.
Why is Cardiff City Council offering this grant?
The scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality as part of Cardiff’s goal to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030.
How do taxi drivers apply for the grant?
Drivers can apply through the Cardiff City Council website, where they will find eligibility criteria and application details.
What is the UK Plug-in Taxi Grant?
The UK government previously offered up to £6,000 for electric taxis, but this scheme is set to expire on April 5, 2025.
Are there any other incentives for switching to electric taxis?
Yes, EV taxi drivers may also benefit from lower maintenance costs, fuel savings, and exemption from certain clean air zone charges.
