Nissan LEAF becomes London Taxi

Nissan has been ferrying Londoners and tourists round the capital in the Nissan LEAF EV free of charge as part of its ‘Big Turn On’ campaign.

Yesterday we reported that a Nissan LEAF was going to go backwards up the hillcimb at Goodwood in a bid for a reversing speed record, and to draw attention to the LEAF’s strengths as part of Nissan’s ‘Big Turn On’ campaign.

We’re not too sure how being able to go backwards as quickly as you can forwards in a LEAF is a big selling point, but Nissan’s stunt in London this week is far more relevant – they’ve been offering fee taxi rides in the electric LEAF to tourists and Londoners alike.

The aim is to show that an electric cab is a huge plus in London – or any other urban environment – with its low charging cost and zero emissions (at the point of use).

Anyone wanting a free ride in a LEAF cab could Tweet #6xcheaper to get a chance of a free ride, a reference to Nissan’s claim that an electric car in London is six times cheaper to fuel than a petrol car.

Successful Tweeters could pick up their free ride at a special rank set up at the Truman Brewery near Liverpool Street and get ferried to their destination, with the LEAF taxis even prepared to go ‘South of the River’.

Jim Wright, Nissan’s UK MD, said:

Every passenger got out of the Nissan LEAF taxi with a smile on their face. They loved the near silence and general refinement of the car… and were blown away when they discovered how cheap it is to fuel. Using off-peak electricity – such as when recharging overnight – means it really costs just a few pence in fuel to go anywhere by Nissan LEAF.

This is exactly what electric cars should be used for; it’s their raison d’etre. As personal transport they’re pretty much a waste of time, but in a confined urban environment their huge disadvantages are outweighed by the benefits  of being a clean, cheap to refuel (for now) and quite cab ride.

Sadly, there seems to be no sign on the horizon of a Black Cab with the underpinnings of a Nissan LEAF going on sale any time soon.

By Cars UK