A CAB firm has become the first to introduce all-electric taxis to the streets of Peterborough.
Green Leaf Cars has just added two of the new longer-range Nissan LEAFs to its fleet of eco-friendly vehicles.
The company already has six hybrids – vehicles powered by electricity and fuel – but this is the first time it has run pure electric cars around the city.
And, as the LEAF costs an average of just 2p a mile to run, it has led to some remarkable savings.
Tod Howard, owner of Green Leaf Cars, who took delivery of the world’s best-selling electric car from Smiths Nissan Peterborough in Sturrock Way, said: “This is the first time we have had full electric vehicles. I love them – they’re great for our business, our customers and with no tailpipe emissions there are the obvious benefits to the environment.
“We have made 25% savings, if not more, since we have had them and have had solar panels fitted to our office to generate electricity to power the vehicles.
“Our drivers go to charging points in between jobs and wait for their next appointment. It’s so simple and cost-effective for our business.”
The new 30kw LEAF delivers up to 155 miles driving on a single charge, 25 per cent further than the previous model.
This is thanks to Nissan’s innovative 30kWh battery technology, beating all of its competitors within the segment, without compromising on practicality or usability.
Green Leaf Cars persuaded Peterborough City Council to change its by-law to allow for electric cars to become licensed taxis, potentially opening the door for more to operate in the area.
Mr Howard added: “We were the first to bring hybrids to Peterborough and now we’re the first to introduce all-electric taxis.”
Darran Foot, Business Sales Executive at Smiths Nissan, said: “Green Leaf Cars has embraced all-electric motoring and can see how much money the LEAF can save the company.
“Hopefully other taxi companies and drivers will follow suit. As well as being cheap to run, all-electric cars help reduce air pollution in our cities so the advantages are huge.”
