Cabbies for the Climate: Driving London toward a greener future
Last Friday, we were in Borough, London, to launch Cabbies for the Climate — our new campaign to fast-track the shift to electric black cabs, in partnership with the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA). The event brought together cab drivers, campaigners, journalists, and representatives from the LTDA, all united in the commitment to cleaner air and a greener future for London.
London’s iconic black cabs are already on the road to net zero — around 60% of them are electric. Rising costs and a lack of charging infrastructure are slowing things down, but the enthusiasm is there. Most drivers are on board — 90% want to see fewer cars on the roads, and less congestion*.
That’s where Cabbies for the Climate comes in. We’re calling on the government to provide financial help, so that more drivers can afford to switch to electric cabs.
Keep an eye out for our wrapped cabs driving through London this month.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, was at our launch event, and spoke about the need for support:
"No one knows more about London's poor air quality and the need for action to address it than a taxi driver who sits in traffic all day long breathing it in. That's why drivers are committed to this transition and doing their part to clean up London's air,” he said. "But with little to no support from TfL or the government, many drivers are struggling to make the switch.”
Mohammed Abdi, a licensed electric black cab driver, echoed this sentiment:
"We all want to breathe clean air, live healthier, and for the city to be greener. That’s why I drive a green cab. But all cab drivers should be able to get a green cab, and right now, it’s just not possible for so many of my colleagues. They need that support to switch.”
With electric cabs costing nearly £70,000, the price is simply out of reach for most drivers without government help, leaving many concerned about their future.
"With many diesel taxis set to reach their age limit and come off the road in the next few years, drivers risk being left without an affordable alternative, forced to either retire or switch careers," McNamara warned. "If TfL and the government don't act soon, it could spell disaster for London’s iconic black cabs."
The message was clear: cabbies are ready to do their part for the planet, but they need the right support to get there.
We’re calling for urgent government support to ensure that all cab drivers can afford to make the switch to electric, paving the way for cleaner air and a greener London.
Are you with us?
*Data from a survey of 1800 cab drivers, October 2024.