North East Taxi Firm Goes Electric

3 October 2012, 05:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A taxi firm in Blyth, Northumberland, has become the first in the region to add electric cars to their fleet.

Phoenix Taxis, based on Station Street in the town, has installed a number of 'rapid charge' points at their headquarters for the new electric vehicles.

The new charging points have been funded by the Charge your Car project which aims to install a full network of charge points in the region by 2013.

The North East Charge your Car project was launched in early 2010 after the region was named as one of the first three areas to put in place a comprehensive Electric Vehicle infrastructure and was given funding to support the installation of charging posts in car parks, on streets, at residential and commercial locations.

To date there are almost 500 charging points installed throughout the region.

Josey Wardle, project manager for Charge your Car, said:
"We are delighted with the way the network is progressing with the support from partners like Phoenix Taxis. It also goes to show that electric vehicles are suitable for many businesses especially those who are making regular journeys every day in a local area.

The fact that the company can charge regularly at their offices will help drivers plan their journey easily and we imagine that the taxis will become a real talking point amongst their customers."

Alexander Hurst, Managing Director, Phoenix Taxis (North East) Limited, said:
"The main cost to any taxi driver is fuel, and with prices rocketing seemingly on a monthly basis - EV's are becoming the more sensible fleet vehicle choice."

Grants are available for any organisation wishing to have a charging point installed on their premises.

For further information about electric vehicles and EV charging in North East England, visit www.whynotelectric.com