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Posted on the 13th February 2025 in PHTM News
ISLE OF MAN EXPLORES ELECTRIFYING TAXI FLEET BUT DRIVERS SCEPTICAL
The Isle of Man Government is exploring the feasibility of transitioning its entire taxi fleet to electric vehicles, launching a survey targeting taxi drivers specifically.
The Climate Transformation Team is spearheading the initiative, seeking input from those who would be most affected by such a change.
However, the proposal faces significant hurdles, with taxi drivers expressing skepticism. Mike Birchall, Secretary of the IOM Unite taxi branch and part of the Manx Taxi Federation, believes the idea is impractical. He stated his doubt that the plan would ever come to fruition.
In contrast, Liam Joyce, director of The Executive's Choice, an all-electric taxi company on the Isle of Man, is enthusiastic about the prospect. He believes a fully electric taxi fleet would be a positive development for the island.
A government spokesperson clarified the survey's origins, telling Manx Radio that it was initiated by the Department for Enterprise following an inquiry from a taxi operator considering purchasing an EV. The operator sought information about the advantages and disadvantages of EVs, as well as the island's EV infrastructure.
The spokesperson emphasised that the survey and subsequent discussions did not involve any formal strategy or policy regarding taxi electrification. While the taxi operator raised concerns about financial assistance, the government made it clear that no such support is currently available, nor are there any plans to introduce it.
The survey, the spokesperson added, aims to understand the needs of taxi operators and inform the island's broader EV charging strategy, which is currently being developed through workshops.
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