THE Nissan LEAF was the star of the show as leading industry publication GreenFleet named its Private Hire/Taxi Operator of the Year.
The prestigious award went to eConnect Cars – a chauffeur company that uses a fleet of LEAFs to offer business clients and individuals zero-emission transport around London.
Meanwhile, St Austell-based C&C Taxis, which now has seven LEAFs on its fleet, was commended in the same category for its pioneering use of electric vehicles in Cornwall.
GreenFleet judges praised eConnect Cars for the sustainability of its fleet – all of its Nissan LEAFs are charged using renewable energy sources – its ultra low environmental impact and for the inspirational efforts of its drivers in promoting the benefits of electric vehicles.
Colin Boyton, Sales & Marketing Manager for GreenFleet, said: “Using a fleet of zero-emission EVs that are recharged from renewable energy sources, and training their drivers on the workings of the car so they can talk to customers about the technology, is innovative in itself.
“The fact that eConnect Cars also offers CO2 savings data on journey comparisons makes the company worthy winners of this award.”
Of C&C Taxis, Colin added: “C&C Taxis has shown how belief and investment in EV technology can really make a difference. Notching up more than 300,000 all-electric miles in and around Cornwall is quite remarkable.”
He added: “Keep up the good work. You’re a beacon in your industry.”
Receiving the award, eConnect Cars Managing Director Alistair Clarke said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have won this award. It recognises the ambition and commitment we at eConnect Cars show towards our customers and their travel needs.
“Our mission is to deliver an effective, high-quality, chauffeur-driven, all-electric fleet service in London. We believe that electric vehicles are the future in the capital and all major cities where quality of service, well-being and better air quality can all be achieved without compromise. It’s brilliant to be receiving recognition for our vision and hard work.”
C&C Taxis Managing Director Michelle Williams said: “When we added the first LEAF to our fleet it was unknown territory for us. We had no idea that it would be so successful and that we would end up at an awards ceremony like this. It’s fantastic.”
She added: “This commendation clearly proves that electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF provide a 21st century solution that can help taxi operators everywhere reduce their carbon emissions while making massive fuel savings.
“Hopefully more taxi companies across the UK will look at what we’ve achieved and follow our example.”
