We've apologised before about our shameless adoration of the Nissan LEAF but you simply can't stop this green powered stallion. Having left tire treads over the faces of cynics with its phenomenal 2014 adoption figures, the electric hatchback is now taking another bold stride with a Blackpool based fleet of 12 100% electric LEAF taxis.
Such news makes our hearts sing as this could truly mark a turning point in commercial adoption of electric vehicles for public transport. Blackpool is of course no stranger to the value of electric transport having played host to one of the world's first electric tramways 130 years ago. Since then, such technology has become a hugely popular source of inner city transport in places such as Manchester, San Francisco and Budapest (known to be the busiest tram line in Europe).
The fleet will be maintained by through local firm 'Premier Cabs' with the admirable goal of offering a 24/7 ecologically friendly taxi service throughout Blackpool and the neighbouring Lytham St Anne area. If this move proves a success (both in terms of economical savings and publicity), Green Motion can't see why more mainstream cab services wouldn't adopt a similar tactic.
Now, let's consider the obvious draw – finance. While 'going green' is an alluring prospect, the fact that LEAFs run at only two pence per mile means that Premier Cabs will be saving a small fortune in fuel costs. To help the drivers keep the cabs juiced up, there will be a “dedicated network” of rapid charges around the area put in place to charge the vehicles. It's been said these chargers can boost the cabs from 0 to 80% in an approximate half hour – not bad at all!
Most admirable of all, the savings Premier Cabs make from petrol cuts will be channelled into the drivers salaries. Green indeed.