The London EV Company (LEVC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, formally backing the city-region’s new £8 million Hackney Support Fund.
The initiative, championed by Mayor Andy Burnham, aims to help taxi drivers replace older diesel cabs with cleaner, zero-emission capable vehicles.
The government-funded programme will provide grants to existing Hackney cab drivers, supporting the switch from high-polluting models to modern alternatives. LEVC’s involvement will add up to £2 million in additional value through extended warranties on new and used TX taxis, as well as a scrappage allowance against the purchase of used TX models.
Manufactured at LEVC’s Ansty facility in Coventry, the TX taxi has been central to the UK’s shift toward cleaner urban transport since 2018. Powered by the brand’s eCity technology, the vehicle delivers a pure electric range of up to 78 miles and a total range of 333 miles, making it well suited for both metropolitan driving and longer commutes.
LEVC claim that the TX has already prevented more than 360 million kilograms of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere and helped cut NOx emissions from London’s taxi fleet by 59%.
Beyond emissions, the TX is designed with accessibility in mind, offering space for six passengers, an integrated wheelchair ramp, high-visibility handles, braille switches, and a hearing induction loop.
With more than 12,000 TX vehicles sold worldwide, LEVC continues to work closely with local authorities to drive adoption of zero-emission capable taxis. Greater Manchester’s Hackney Support Fund forms part of its non-charging Clean Air Plan, combining cleaner air ambitions with financial support for the region’s drivers as they transition to greener transport.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: ‘Our taxi trade is a vital part of Greater Manchester’s transport network and supports the local economy.
‘That’s why we’re working hard to secure funding and practical support to help drivers upgrade to cleaner, greener vehicles – improving air quality for everyone, while protecting livelihoods. By backing our taxi trade, we’re building a fairer, healthier city-region for all.’
Chris Allen, Managing Director, LEVC, added: ‘I am pleased to confirm that LEVC is officially backing the Greater Manchester authorities in support of their newly launched Hackney Support Fund. LEVC is contributing up to £2m to help local taxi drivers make the switch to zero-exhaust-emission capable TXs.
‘TX has already transformed the taxi market in London and helped the capital achieve legal air quality targets for the first time. I’m confident that further adoption of TX In Greater Manchester will achieve similar positive results for the region and improve the quality of taxi services for both drivers and passengers alike.’
Leave a Reply