All newly licensed minicabs in London could be required to be fully electric from 2028 under new plans to cut air pollution across the capital.
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation today on proposals to phase out petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles from new private hire licences in a bid to clean up London's air.
TfL estimates the changes could cut harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from private hire vehicles by nine per cent in the first decade, alongside a 35 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Over 18 years, CO2 and NOx emissions could fall by as much as 97 per cent, according to TfL forecasts.
The proposals would apply to all newly licensed private hire vehicles from 2028, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles given until July 2030 to make the switch.
TfL is also proposing tighter licensing rules from March 2027, including a ban on private hire vehicles remaining licensed once they reach 10 years old.
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, said: “We recognise the crucial role that London’s private hire services play for customers, providing a vital door-to-door service. This is especially true where the public transport network has gaps or cannot yet meet all our customers’ needs.
“However, this isn’t the only role they play. Private hire vehicles are also a vital component in London’s transition to becoming a more sustainable and healthier city with less pollution.
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on plans to accelerate the transition to zero-emission private hire vehicles (PHVs) to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across the capital
TfL
“Building on the progress that has already been made, this consultation sets out our proposals to strengthen those achievements and drive forward the transition towards a zero-emission fleet.”
More than 70 per cent of London's private hire fleet are now zero-emission capable, meaning they can run on electricity, but many still rely on petrol or diesel engines.
Figures from September show that just 35.5 per cent of the 94,661 private hire vehicles licensed by TfL are fully electric, while another 35.2 per cent are plug-in hybrids.
Unlike fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids can produce exhaust emissions when their petrol or diesel engines are running.
TfL says speeding up the shift to fully electric vehicles would help tackle air pollution, including NOx emissions, which can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The consultation runs until 11.59pm on Wednesday, December 2.
Under the proposals, drivers would also have just 12 months to renew an expired taxi or private hire vehicle licence, down from the current two years.
After that, the vehicle would be treated as a new application and would need to meet the latest licensing requirements.
TfL also wants to stop approving new systems that convert vehicles to run on alternative fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), as well as new exhaust emission-reduction systems.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “London’s private hire vehicles play a vital role in keeping the capital moving, providing an accessible door-to-door service for millions of people, and we want to ensure they can continue doing so sustainably for years to come.
“The Mayor and I are proud that London’s PHV drivers have led the way in adopting zero-emission capable (ZEC) technology, with more than 70 per cent of their vehicles now ZEC – but there is more to do.
“That’s why we’re consulting on these proposals, which would help improve air quality, protect Londoners’ health and support our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation as we continue building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable London for all.”