Audi’s debut fully electric vehicle, the e-tron, is now available to select customers of London-based taxi company Addison Lee as five join its ranks as part of a chauffeur-driven service.
The automotive manufacturer has supplied the taxi firm with the vehicles as part of a six-month pilot program that is looking into the suitability and ease of integration of an all-electric fleet. As of May 21, Addison Lee’s B2B clients will be able to be transported in the new battery-powered luxury SUV with access to a dedicated driver.
With the Addison Lee Group the largest managed premium taxi car service, it has goals of reducing emissions in the long-term, which is where implementing an electric fleet could help.
By generating data-driven insights, the pilot will also allow Addison Lee Group to fully evaluate the role and requirements of electric vehicles in its fleet of the future and inform operational decisions that help determine the fleet choices the business will make, as it moves to a 100% low emission fleet.
Until now there has been few all-electric premium options on the market. Audi’s e-tron is able to offer up to 241 miles of range, which would alleviate driver fears of running out of power while on a shift.
“Our partnership with Audi combines two premium brands in making a significant step towards next-generation, sustainable mobility solutions, and continues to position Addison Lee Group at the forefront of innovation in ground transportation services,” said Andy Boland, CEO of Addison Lee Group.
“This pilot demonstrates the power of combining two large scale, established and premium brands to make a significant and positive impact on cities and air quality, over and above individual initiatives at a local level. Following our achievement of ULEZ compliance for the whole Addison Lee Group fleet, this is the next major step on the road to achieving a 100% low emissions fleet.”
