Taxi operators need to be in control of when and where they charge their cabs, as well as how much it costs.
Taxi insurance broker Patons Insurance has created a partnership with a leading EV charging point installer to help base owners look to the future with their fleets.
Not only will having EV charging points at taxi bases help owners manage their vehicles, it also allows them to create another revenue stream by opening the charging station to the public.
No upfront costs
In most cases when taxi bases take up the offer, there are no upfront costs to the base owner. Instead, the cost of the equipment is covered over several years through the price of the electricity supplied, although this remains competitive compared to public-use fast and super-fast charging stations.
It also gives the base owner the freedom to choose who has access to the equipment. They could decide to open it to the public, other professional drivers, or keep it as an exclusive charging station for by their own fleet.
Greener drive
Patons’ partnership with the charging station installer is part of our support of the ongoing drive towards greener motoring in the industry. By 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned in the UK and those with established charging routines will be ahead of the game. Patons’ involvement means the process is less daunting for taxi base owners, who might worry about the huge expense and complications they face to upgrade their fleet.
Our charging point packages include a variety of options including fast and super-fast chargers, as well as options for multiple charging points.
Patons’ Head of Business Development Chris Pracy said: “People are aware of the current challenges of running an EV as their private vehicle, but for professional drivers such as taxi drivers, there are different demands and challenges.
“Taxis don’t earn money if they are spending hours attached to chargers or drivers have to queue for a charging point to become free. An EV taxi has to meet the needs of the job and has to be ready for the next fare, wherever they want to go.
“The UK’s charging infrastructure is constantly improving but there is a long way to go before it is comparable to filling up at the nearest petrol station and being able to set off in a few minutes.
“Range anxiety and charging point availability are real concerns within the industry and by having charging points at their own base, fleet owners can ensure that every vehicle is ready for the shift ahead and they can open it to the public and bring in extra income.”
Partnership package
The partnership package includes surveying costs to determine the suitability of the site, all the required charging equipment, full installation including civils, local authority planning and connection costs, as well as all ongoing equipment maintenance, servicing, and repairs.
There are several elements to an agreement, and these may be dictated by length, number of vehicles, usage. Agreement lengths vary but will generally be a minimum of three years.
While the agreement may not be right for all base owners, but for those that are suitable we feel confident that it will help the switch to electric.
The landowner can decide who uses the equipment. They can create a public charging area or restrict use to just their vehicles*. The management of charging slots is down to the base owner.
Chris added: “Taxi fleets have unique demands on both vehicles and drivers and flexibility is key. By offering these types of charging packages, we aim to help keep drivers on the road longer, which is when they are earning their living.”
Anyone interested in learning more about whether our EV package could be right for your taxi business can complete the form and we’ll call you to discuss the options.
*We’d advise you to check with your liability insurer to see if there are any additional conditions for Electric charge points.
