Nissan's electric Leaf taxis go into service in Blackpool
A fleet of electric Nissan Leaf taxis has gone into service in Blackpool 130 years after the tourist resort introduced one of the world's first electric tramways.
The 12-strong fleet of 100 per cent electric Leafs has been introduced by local firm Premier Cabs and will operate in and around Blackpool and neighbouring Lytham St Annes on a 24-7 basis.
The company expects to replace more of its current taxi fleet with the British-built models and its sister vehicle, the e-NV200 Combi, in the months ahead.
Each vehicle will cover up to 55,000 miles a year in the course of transporting around 200 customers per week. They will be supported by a dedicated network of five rapid chargers that can charge the vehicles from zero to 80 per cent in as little as half an hour.
With running costs of just two pence per mile, the Leafs will allow Premier Cabs to drastically reduce fuel expenses, helping drivers to take home an extra £80-£120 per week by driving a Leaf.
Managing director of the firm John Cutler said: "We've done the maths and we know the Leafs will save the business money but that wasn't the main factor in our decision. We wanted to do something special for our customers and for the town and this really fits the bill."
He added: "This gives Blackpool a fleet of clean, green and very comfortable taxis that passengers will love and the town can be proud of."