Posted on the 23rd October 2026 in PHTM News

TFL UNVEILS PLANS TO MAKE ALL NEW LONDON PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES FULLY ELECTRIC BY 2028

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a public consultation on ambitious plans to phase out petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines from newly-licensed private hire vehicles. Under the proposed roadmap, all newly-licensed PHVs across the capital must be fully electric and zero-emission from July 2028. 

To support market readiness and give manufacturers sufficient notice, wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles will be given until July 2030 to make the complete transition.

The measures aim to tackle air pollution, lower carbon footprints, and improve public health by addressing harmful exhaust pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx), which aggravate asthma and respiratory conditions. 

TfL estimates that the shift could reduce NOx emissions from PHV by nine per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent within the first decade. Over an 18-year period, combined forecasts suggest CO2 and NOx emissions could drop by as much as 97 per cent.

While over 70 per cent of London’s 94,661 licensed PHVs are currently classified as zero-emission capable, many still depend on internal combustion engines. Figures from September highlight that only 35.5 per cent of the fleet is fully electric, with 35.2 per cent operating as plug-in hybrids that still emit exhaust fumes when burning petrol or diesel.

Alongside the main electrification deadline, TfL is proposing stricter licensing rules to take effect from March 2027.

These include capping the maximum age of private hire vehicles at 10 years and reducing the grace period to renew an expired taxi or private hire licence from two years down to 12 months. Vehicles exceeding that timeframe would have to reapply as new submissions under the latest standards. 

Additionally, TfL intends to stop approving new alternative fuel conversions - such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) - as well as new exhaust emission-reduction systems.

Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at TfL, highlighted the dual importance of the sector, stating: “We recognise the crucial role that London’s private hire services play for customers, providing a vital door-to-door service. However, this isn’t the only role they play. Private hire vehicles are also a vital component in London’s transition to becoming a more sustainable and healthier city with less pollution. 

"Building on the progress that has already been made, this consultation sets out our proposals to strengthen those achievements and drive forward the transition towards a zero-emission fleet.”

Supporting the initiative, Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance added: “The Mayor and I are proud that London’s PHV drivers have led the way in adopting zero-emission capable technology, with more than 70 per cent of their vehicles now ZEC – but there is more to do. That’s why we’re consulting on these proposals, which would help improve air quality, protect Londoners’ health and support our efforts to tackle the climate crisis. 

"I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation as we continue building a greener, cleaner and more sustainable London for all.”

The consultation, which runs until 23:59 on Wednesday 2 December 2026, can be accessed online at https://tfl.gov.uk/tph-zero-emissions.


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