This is how the climate emergency is changing transport in Sheffield as City Taxis pledge to convert to all-electric fleet

That is why City Taxis’ £50m plan to convert to an all electric, 1,500-car fleet showed ‘incredible’ international leadership, according to Ed Highfield, director of City Growth at Sheffield City Council.

He heaped praise on boss Arnie Singh for the plan to tackle air pollution ahead of a Clean Air Zone in Sheffield city centre.

Speaking at the official launch of the project, he said: “The Climate Emergency is upon us and we haven’t got our heads around how dramatic the change will be.

“Sheffield City Council needs to be carbon neutral by 2030. It’s an opportunity for innovation and green jobs but how we move around has to be very different.”

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City’s huge fleet is one of Sheffield’s biggest polluters. The Clean Air Zone, set to be introduced in April 2021, will charge £10 for some vehicles - but not private cars - and £50 for buses.

Mr Highfield added: “City had a choice of whether to fight or embrace it and the council is very grateful for this. We hope others will follow suit. Well done to City, I think the leadership you have shown has been incredible.”

Under the plan, 12 £120,000 shipping containers fitted with 12 charging points will be stationed around Sheffield. Guests at the launch at the Crucible Theatre heard they still need land, power and funding.

City has teamed up with its software supplier iCabbi, which is 80 per cent owned by Nissan-Renault’s RCI bank. The automotive giant is set to supply the cars.

Gavan Walsh, iCabbie chief executive, said they supplied 500 taxi firms worldwide and City was the most proactive.

“Our social media lit up at the news, the other taxi firms are jealous. Everyone is going to convert but City are pioneers, what they are doing is really special.”

Arnie Singh, managing director of City said they were prompted to act by the Clean Air Zone plan.

He added: “It’s a global issue, but for me, born and bred in Sheffield, it starts here. Let’s be a beacon for clean air that other cities want to follow.”

He paid tribute to his team for going ‘above and beyond’ and hailed the dedication of drivers, especially over Christmas.

City is also launching a takeaway food delivery service set to rival Deliveroo. Its new app City Grab links independent food outlets with customers but can also be used for shopping, drinks and flowers. The firm, which spent £250,000 on the technology, aims to franchise it in 20 cities by May.

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