A taxi and private hire firm that found fame by becoming one of the first to embrace electric car technology has added five MG5 EVs to its fleet. Award-winning Premier Taxis was named Green Fleet Private Hire/Taxi Company of the Year thanks to its electric car initiative after it began operating electric taxis in 2015.
The new all-electric MGs replace Toyota Auris Hybrids and will be used across the Lancashire firm’s region. They will also be used for airport transfers where the large luggage capacity of the MG5 EV comes in handy.
Nikita Cutler, Premier Taxis’ business manager, said: “The investment in new electric vehicles is money well spent as operating costs for the company and drivers have reduced. At the same time, it allows us to contribute to improving the air quality around Lytham St. Annes, Blackpool and Wyre. Electric vehicles also require less day-to-day maintenance, further reducing cost.
“Our customers find them comfortable and enjoy the smooth and quiet ride. Some of them choose only to travel in a 100 percent electric vehicle as they understand the difference zero-emission travel can make to local air quality.”
Premier Taxis is gradually converting its entire fleet to electric-only thanks to huge reductions in running costs as well as positive feedback from its passengers.
Steve Foster, Premier Taxis driver, said: “I have already been managing more than 200 miles (322km) on a single charge. I plug the car in at home at 5pm and that will last me until the following day at 5pm. Our old cars cost £22 to get to Manchester Airport. With the MG it will cost hardly anything to complete the same trip so they make great sense for a taxi driver.”
