eConnect Cars taxi firm launches crowdfunding campaign

The London based, zero-emission taxi firm eConnect Cars, has launched a crowd funding campaign to finance its next phase of growth.

The move has arisen ahead of London’s forthcoming Ultra-Low Emission Zone, due to take action from January 2020. New regulations will mean all taxi’s less than 18 months old must be zero emissions capable in order to receive a licence. Under these rules, hired cars will be required to cover a range of at least 30 miles in zero emission mode.

eConnect Cars has extended this campaign by maintaining a fleet consisting entirely of 100 per cent electric vehicles, including the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. In doing so, eConnect eliminates the disbursement of particulate matter from exhaust pipes, which contributes to the death of approximately 9,000 people per year in London alone.

So far, the company has already raised 20 per cent of its £4000,000 crowdfunding target, demonstrating a strong interest in the campaign and indicative of people’s concern for environmental matters.

Alistair Clarke, managing director, said: "There is tremendous pressure on London and other large cities when it comes to urban mobility. With population growth, congestion and air pollution increasingly challenging the status quo, innovative companies like eConnect cars are forging a new integrated multi-modal transport solution.

"With new legislation coming into place [from 2018], running ultra-low emission fleets will become the only viable option. While many competitors seek to stall these changes, eConnect is not only embracing change but is also innovating in the market and showing what positive steps can be done today for a cleaner future."

eConnect Cars is pioneering the unique software and logistics required to run an electric fleet at scale, with help from an Innovate UK grant. If successful, the software can be applied not only to other companies but also logistics companies globally.

Clarke continued: "With crowdfunding we’re looking to double the size of our fleet and accelerate the development of our software. Within five years we want to be the leading zero emissions urban mobility provider in the UK.”

Read more