Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of Resources and Housing which provides an update on the award that has been made by OLEV to support the delivery of EV Charge points in the West Yorkshire region.

The report does not intend to cover aspects of incentives to the trade to encourage the uptake of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), or address the work being undertaken to review licensing or vehicle conditions. Wider discussion with the trade and regional licensing groups is required as part of that process.

(Report attached)

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which provided an update on the award that had been made by OLEV to support the delivery of Electric Vehicle Charge points in the West Yorkshire region

The Project Manager, Resources & Housing presented the report and responded to Members questions and queries.

Members were informed that West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) had secured £1.98m of Government capital funding to support an increase in ultra-low emission electric taxi and private hire operation on local roads. Eighty-eight dedicated taxi and private hire charge points (thirty three in the Leeds area) would be installed at key public transport and taxi operation sites across West Yorkshire following the Combined Authority’s successful bid to the Office for Low Emission Vehicle’s Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Taxi Scheme. 

It was reported that key sites for taxi charge points identified in the application included Leeds Train Station, Bradford Forster Square and numerous bus stations/interchange locations where taxi/private hire vehicles frequent. There was also potential to provide funding towards installation of charge points at private operators depots in line with prescribed criteria being met.

Members noted that Leeds City Council would lead on engagement and communications with the trade, with plans for a launch event to be determined. The intention is to provide information on EV charge points aligned to information from the trade on electric vehicles, their use and the benefits economically and environmentally from their adoption. The project team would liaise with industry experts to deliver this event with licensing services fully involved in the planning and the promotion of the event. Information will also be provided on the potential funding that may be made available to operators for installation of charge points for fleet use.

It was the general view of Members that initiative was welcomed.

One Member of the Committee spoke about her own experience of running an electric vehicle. She explained that she had the vehicle for a relatively short period of time but the operating costs appeared to be more economical than a petrol vehicle, the car was normally recharged at home overnight but additional rapid charging was available through a national charging network at a reasonable monthly cost. Long journeys had to be planned due to the limitations of the battery.

The Project Manager said that a typical budget electric vehicle could achieve around 120 miles on one charge which was possibly not enough for daily taxi usage. There were vehicles on the market which could achieve in excess of 300 miles on one charge but these vehicles were expensive and demand was relatively low.  It was suggested that as battery technology progressed the average electric vehicle may be able to achieve 300 miles per charge, this could happen as early as 2020 leading to an increase in demand and reducing vehicle prices. 

Responding to a question on the cost and installation of an electric charging unit, it was reported that costs ranged from £15,000 to £30,000 depending on the proximity to the power supply/grid.

Commenting on future engagement plans the Chair said it was his understanding that the City Council was to host a “Greenfleet Event” which would provide an opportunity for the taxi and private hire trade to meet with electric vehicle suppliers to view and discuss the latest models which had been brought to market.

The Chair queried if Members of the Committee could attend this event.

In responding the project Manager said that an invitation to attend the “Greenfleet Event” would be extended to all Members of the Licensing Committee

RESOLVED – To note:

  (i)  The information regarding West Yorkshire Combined Authorities   (WYCA) securing and management of the OLEV grant. 

  (ii)  The outline plans for delivery of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge   Points across the region.

  (iii)  The opportunity for operators to provide expressions of interest   in working with WYCA to secure potential grants installation of   EV Charge Points for use by Private Hire and Taxi vehicles.  

  (iv)  That an invitation to attend the “Greenfleet Event” be extended   to all Members of the Licensing Committee