Watford Goes Electric

Thursday, 26 March 2015 10:33

Mayor Thornhill MBE with Alex Calnan of Electric Blue.

The first of three new electric charging stations have been installed in order to help support the uptake of electric taxis in Watford.

In a recent demonstration day with local taxi-drivers, over 50% expressed an interest to trial an electric vehicle. To meet this demand, Electric Blue, in partnership with Nissan, is providing a small fleet of all-electric taxis for short term rental by taxi drivers, as well as paying for the charging stations.

Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill MBE said: “It’s great that there has been such a positive response to the introduction of these zero-emission cars. Our licensing team have agreed to reduce the taxi licence fee by 50% to encourage even greater take up.”

The new charging station – located on Service Road Q (just off Beechen Grove is capable of providing an 80% recharge in just 25 minutes). Provision of two further stations is being investigated at New Road (opposite Watford High Street Station) and Bridle Path (rear of Watford Junction).

Alex Calnan, of Electric Blue, said: “Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to operate, as well as being kinder to the environment [than their petrol/diesel counterparts]. To date, widespread adoption of EVs has been limited by the lack of charging infrastructure. So, Watford is leading the way in Hertfordshire with the installation of these Rapid Chargers – and we hope it will encourage taxi-drivers in Watford to upgrade to an electric vehicle.”

Electric Blue are also being supported in this project by EValu8 - a not for profit organisation specialising in sustainable transport.

Any resident of Watford interested in trying out an electric vehicle can sign up to the town’s electric car club online.

(Source: Watford Borough Council)

More from Local Vibes: News

NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.
Modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet coming to Watford’s Pump House Theatre

The Pump House is delighted to present a unique 90s/2000s twist on a Shakespearean classic, reinvented for a 21st century audience. Performed by an ensemble of talented actors, who will reignite this text onto the main stage.
NHS Trust introduces service to improve newborn feeding

A new West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust service which helps newborn babies struggling to feed because of a condition with their tongues, has already supported over 100 families since November 2023.