Transport for London proposes zero-emission mandates for private-hire vehicles

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation proposing new requirements to accelerate the transition to zero-emission private-hire vehicles (PHVs) in the capital. Under the proposal, all newly licensed PHVs would be required to be fully electric by July 2028, with an extension for wheelchair-accessible vehicles until July 2030.

If implemented, TfL forecasts the changes could reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 9% and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 35% over a 10-year period. Over an 18-year period, these emissions are projected to decrease by 97%.

Additional proposed licensing changes, potentially effective from March 2027, include ending the approval of new alternative fuel conversion systems, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), as well as new exhaust abatement systems. Other measures include reducing the maximum period for re-licensing an expired taxi or PHV from 24 months to 12 months and introducing a 10-year maximum vehicle age limit.