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This is how London charges: InstaVolt supports e-taxis
Currently, nearly 60 percent of the almost 15,000 taxis in London are emission-free electric taxis. The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, which represents the majority of taxi drivers in London, believes that reducing VAT on public charging sessions to 5 percent and improving access to rapid charging stations through super hubs could help accelerate the transition of all taxis to electric vehicles.
InstaVolt is Britain's largest rapid charging network operator
InstaVolt has opened its largest rapid charging station for electric vehicles in the capital at the historic Syon Park in Brentford. Syon Park is just three miles from the M4 and near Heathrow Airport. Syon Park—famous for its appearances in high-profile TV series like Bridgerton—is located on one of the main traffic arteries, the A316, which leads from the capital to the M3. InstaVolt's charging stations, which have been voted one of Britain's best rapid charging networks, are powered by 100 percent renewable energy and can be user-friendly contactless paid, so no registration or subscription is required.
Although the quick charging park was built for all EV drivers, InstaVolt emphasized that the new super hub with 14 charging stations primarily addresses the shortage of quick charging stations in the capital and particularly benefits the taxi industry. To support the taxi drivers' campaign for a reduction of VAT to 5 percent at public charging stations, analogous to home charging stations, InstaVolt, as a sign of solidarity, waived 15 percent of the costs at its charging stations in the capital for one month.
“We are thrilled to support them with our expanding network throughout London and our fantastic new super hub in the iconic Syon Park,” said Simon Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of InstaVolt.
Taxi drivers are busy people for whom time is literally money, and they need quick access to reliable charging solutions so they can get back on the road as quickly as possible.
"Taxi drivers are In Syon Park and across our entire network, taxi drivers can benefit from our industry-leading reliability of over 99 percent and have access to a whole range of amenities," said Smith. "While their taxis are being charged, they can meet with their fellow drivers, have a cup of coffee, and be back on the road in a few minutes. We are also pleased to be able to support the taxi drivers in their fight for lower prices for public on-street charging by absorbing 15 percent of our charging costs ourselves, leaving a share of 5 percent, equivalent to the VAT for home charging."
Switch to Taxi E-Mobility since 2018
The taxi industry has had to switch to electric vehicles in recent years as Transport for London (TfL) aims to reduce air pollution and emissions in the capital. Since 2018, all newly registered taxis must be emissions-free, as the London mayor aims for a carbon-free city by 2030. However, there is a demand for the government and TfL to do more to support drivers and reduce VAT on charging stations to make these plans a reality.
“Fast charging stations like this fantastic facility are key to expanding the charging network in London and ensuring that drivers always find a place to charge their taxi and benefit from the amenities while they wait,” said Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA. “Far more than half of London's black cabs are now electric, but the lack of public fast charging stations and rising costs of charging remain obstacles to broader adoption of electric taxis.”
According to McNamara, a reduction in VAT on public charging stations, thereby aligning it with home charging stations, would help provide a level playing field for drivers who cannot charge at home and support them with rising operating costs. The LTDA greatly appreciates InstaVolt's gesture of adjusting the VAT equivalent itself to demonstrate the positive impact of such a reduction."
The initiative is supported by Edmund King OBE, the President of the AA (Automobile Association). He commented on the fast charging network operator's action:
“In our recently published Driving Manifesto, we call for alignment of fees for electric vehicles. It is unfair that taxi drivers and others without access to off-street parking have to pay four times as much VAT for charging as those lucky enough to charge at home. We are pleased that InstaVolt supports the campaign for a change."
Even in the UK, the insufficient charging infrastructure and sometimes quite expensive charging of e-taxis are obstacles to the switch to e-mobility. In London, only pure electric vehicles have been allowed as taxis for years, and the expansion of affordable charging infrastructure needs to keep pace.
Translated automatically from German.
Branchenguide
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