Electric Cars vs Petrol Taxis: The Future of Travel in Leeds

Leeds is among the fastest growing cities in the UK. Transportation is changing fast. In the modern world of transport, people need cars that can drive them in the most efficient way and in the shortest time possible. Whether it’s getting in and out of the busy streets in the city center, taking the airport shuttle to Leeds Bradford, or even the long runs to Manchester or London, the taxi service Leeds depends on is a necessary part of the city flow.

But the mode of travelling varies. The world is going in one direction. Drivers and passengers are moving towards electric cars instead of petrol. This change is being caused by high fuel rates, new clean air regulations, and growing concern over climate change. Electric cars have now become a part of daily life in the UK they are no longer exotic.

In a city like Leeds, such a change is especially important. Electric taxis are replacing petrol taxis. Petrol cars can be seen everywhere, but they are not economical, convenient, or clean. Electric taxis bring savings for drivers, comfort for passengers, and city cleanliness. As Leeds grows even bigger, the question is no longer whether electric taxis will become the norm, but when.

This blog also discusses the variations between electric taxis and petrol taxis. It explains how transportation in Leeds will change.

Cost of Running a Taxi: Petrol vs Electric

One of the biggest differences between petrol taxis and electric taxis comes down to cost. For drivers and airport taxi company owners in Leeds, running costs can make or break the business. Passengers also feel the effect, because higher running costs often mean higher fares.

For example, a typical 10-mile city ride in Leeds costs a petrol taxi around £2.20 in fuel. This is based on average petrol prices of 145p per liter and real-world fuel economy. The same trip in an electric taxi cost roughly £1.10 in electricity when charged at home. It can cost even less, around 60p, if charged overnight on an EV-friendly tariff. That’s almost half the price.

Now look at airport transfers, which are among the most frequent trips of Leeds taxi customers.

Leeds City Centre → Leeds Bradford Airport (approx. 9 miles):
Petrol taxi fuel cost: about £2.00–£2.20
Cost of charging an electric taxi: about £1.00–£1.20
Leeds City Centre → Manchester Airport (approx. 56 miles):
Petrol taxi fuel cost: around £12.00–£13.00
Electric taxi charging cost: about £6.00–£7.00

These savings add up quickly. A petrol taxi driver in Leeds could spend £250–£300 a week on petrol. An electric taxi driver may spend less than half that, especially if charging at home overnight.

So, while petrol taxis may be cheaper to buy at first, electric taxis soon pay for themselves. For busy drivers who travel hundreds of miles each week, switching can save thousands of pounds every year.

For passengers, this also means electric taxis may keep fares steady even when fuel prices rise. In Leeds, where the taxi is part of daily life, that makes electric vehicles not just greener but also more economical.

Related Article: How Much A Taxi to the Airport Costs

Range and Reliability for Taxi Services

People often ask if electric taxis can travel far enough on a single charge. The good news is that modern EVs are designed with a m wonder if electric taxis can travel a sufficient distance much greater range than earlier models. Most electric taxis today can cover 220–300 miles on one charge. Some new models go even farther.

This is more than enough for city rides in Leeds. The average trip is less than 10 miles and barely affects the battery. Even long journeys, like Leeds to Manchester Airport (56 miles), are no problem.

Charging is also much faster now. Overnight charging at home or a depot takes 6–8 hours. Public rapid chargers give an 80% top-up in about 30 minutes. Ultra-rapid chargers cut this down to 15 minutes.

There are now hundreds of public charging points in Leeds and Yorkshire. This number is rising every month, making electric taxis more practical than ever.

Environmental Impact: Why It Matters for Leeds

The air quality in Leeds has changed positively but the city has not eliminated its problem. Most of the regions have become up to national clean-air standards. In other areas of the city center, however, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) remains dangerous.

The current statistics indicate that portions of Leeds are one of the highest polluted areas in the UK with a threefold amount of pollution as compared to the recommended body levels. Good air is not an idea; it is a necessity. Petrol vehicles emit pollutants that cause respiratory complications and cardiovascular and even psychological complications associated with NO 2.

A University of Leeds study reveals that a hundred and thousands of premature deaths in Europe could be avoided by reducing pollution.

Leeds Clean Air Zone Where It Stands

Leeds planned a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to cut road pollution by charging older, more polluting vehicles. The plan was paused during the pandemic, as pollution temporarily dropped. Still, air quality problems remain.

Nearby Bradford launched its own Clean Air Zone in 2022. It has already reduced pollution there.

Petrol vs Electric Taxi Emissions

Petrol taxis emit about 200–250 grams of CO₂ per mile, plus harmful NO₂ and particulates. Electric taxis, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions. That means cleaner air for Leeds and healthier communities.

Related Article: How To Book A Taxi Online with Leeds Cab

Comfort and Passenger Experience

Passengers notice the difference right away when they take an electric taxi. The ride is quieter because there’s no engine noise or vibrations. It feels calmer, especially during late-night or early-morning trips.

With no fumes, the air inside the taxi is fresher. Many EVs also have larger boot space, making them perfect for airport transfers with big suitcases. For drivers, EVs are easier to handle in Leeds stop-and-go traffic. No gears to change, less vibration, and smoother handling mean less stress.

Long shifts are less tiring, which helps drivers stay more focused and provide better service. In short, electric taxis improve the journey for both sides. Passengers enjoy a cleaner, quieter ride. Drivers enjoy less fatigue and smoother days at work.

The Financial Future of Electric Taxis in Leeds

EV grants, leasing programs and council programs by the government make it easier to switch. There are also positive examples of other cities of the UK. Rising numbers of electric taxis are already present in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The other to be followed is probably Leeds.

The advantages, in the case of taxi fleets, are obvious. Taxi Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate, offer a more comfortable ride, and assist in attaining clean-air objectives. In the long term, firms such as Leeds Cab will be able to expand EV utilization in their fleet. It will not only save money, but it will also assist in winning more environmentally friendly customers looking at the cheapest taxi Leeds or taxi near me service.

As the number of EV users is increasing, taxi hire Leeds will become not only convenient, but also eco-friendly in the near future.

Conclusion

Leeds is a busy metropolis, and the mode of transport is evolving. The use of petrol taxis has been relevant over the years, yet the future is very evident as it is with the use of electric ones. The EVs will be superior to the taxi service Leeds market in the next decade because they are cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and offer better rides, and have more charging stations.

Whenever one selects an electric taxi, they are contributing to a larger and healthier city. With the increasing demand for green travel, Leeds Cab is prepared to satisfy it with efficient, comfortable, and green taxis.

The next time you require a Leeds taxi, be it to travel within town or to the airport, get yourself an electric one. Leeds Cab the airport taxi company that is driving the future of travel in Leeds is the place to book your journey.

FAQ’s

Are electric cars good for a taxi?

Yes, electric cars are a strong choice for taxis. They offer lower running costs, fewer emissions, exemptions from clean air charges, and provide passengers with a smoother, quieter ride while reducing maintenance needs.

Are electric cars better than petrol?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often better for lower running costs, efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions especially with home charging and city driving. Petrol cars may suit drivers with smaller budgets, limited charging access, or frequent long-distance trips where charging options are less reliable.

How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car?

The cost of fully charging an electric car depends on the battery size, electricity rates, and charging location. At home, a typical 60kWh battery usually costs £13–£25, especially with off-peak tariffs. Public chargers are generally more expensive, often ranging from £20–£30 or more, with ultra-rapid charging at the higher end.

How many miles can an electric car go on a full charge?

The range of an electric car on a full charge depends on the model, typically between 150 and 350 miles, with some exceeding 400 miles. In the UK, the average is about 236 miles, though real-world range can vary with speed, temperature, vehicle load, and use of heating or air conditioning.

Are there enough EV charging points in Leeds for electric taxis?

Yes. Leeds has hundreds of public charging points, including rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, with more being added every month. This makes it practical for taxi drivers to charge quickly during shifts or overnight at home.