The first of three new electric charging stations have been installed in order to help support the uptake of electric taxis in Watford.
In a recent demonstration day with local taxi-drivers, over 50% expressed an interest to trial an electric vehicle. To meet this demand, Electric Blue, in partnership with Nissan, is providing a small fleet of all-electric taxis for short term rental by taxi drivers, as well as paying for the charging stations.
Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill MBE said: “It’s great that there has been such a positive response to the introduction of these zero-emission cars. Our licensing team have agreed to reduce the taxi licence fee by 50% to encourage even greater take up.”
The new charging station – located on Service Road Q (just off Beechen Grove is capable of providing an 80% recharge in just 25 minutes). Provision of two further stations is being investigated at New Road (opposite Watford High Street Station) and Bridle Path (rear of Watford Junction).
Alex Calnan, of Electric Blue, said: “Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to operate, as well as being kinder to the environment [than their petrol/diesel counterparts]. To date, widespread adoption of EVs has been limited by the lack of charging infrastructure. So, Watford is leading the way in Hertfordshire with the installation of these Rapid Chargers – and we hope it will encourage taxi-drivers in Watford to upgrade to an electric vehicle.”
Electric Blue are also being supported in this project by EValu8 - a not for profit organisation specialising in sustainable transport.
Any resident of Watford interested in trying out an electric vehicle can sign up to the town’s electric car club online.
(Source: Watford Borough Council)
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