If you are a taxi driver then you will no doubt want to be driving around in the most economical taxi or private hire vehicle possible. So, which is most cost effective – an electric cab or a diesel one?

Well, obviously you will be aware that the initial capital outlay to purchase a new electric taxi is more than that of a diesel or petrol fuelled vehicle so this may mean that you have had to borrow a larger sum to purchase the cab thus paying more in monthly finance repayments.

You will be aware that the cost of electricity has gone up over the last year or two so this has meant that it is now costing more to charge up a taxi than previously. In fact, wholesale electricity prices have increased significantly. So, whether you are charging your taxi up at home or at a public charging point the cost of doing so will have risen by quite a lot.

The cost of diesel and petrol does change quite a lot as well. Over the last year or so we have seen fuel prices touch around £2.00 per litre although if you had put some diesel or petrol into your fuel tank at a motorway service station you may have paid in excess of £2.00 per litre. However, fuel prices have eased in recent months but who knows what the future holds.

Another factor that needs to ne borne in mind is the impact of the time taken to recharge a taxi if it is being done whilst working i.e. at a public charging point. That time taken to charge up your taxi is a period when you are unable to pick up any fare paying passengers thus potentially costing you money.

All the above need to be taken into account when you work out which you feel is more economical to drive around in – a diesel/petrol cab or an electric taxi. We do hope that the above has given you food for thought.