Slough is the venue for Berkshire's first electric taxi franchise which has opened in Bath Road.

The London Electric Vehicle Company has teamed up with Endeavour's Volvo dealership to provide the service.

Established seven years ago, Endeavour Automotive expanded into Berkshire earlier this year with the acquisition of Volvo Slough and the company is one of three UK franchisees for LEVC’s plug-in hybrid electric taxi.

LEVC believes that drivers of diesel taxis could save over £100 per week in fuel alone by switching to a new generation hybrid-electric taxi, where all four wheels are electrically powered. A small petrol engine acts as a range extending generator for the batteries.

John Caney, Chief Executive Officer, Endeavour Automotive, said: "Our latest LEVC franchise in Slough provides a unique opportunity for taxi drivers across Berkshire to look at the financial and environmental merits of switching to zero emission capable taxis, which would bring long lasting benefits to the whole area over time.”

According to data from 2018 published by Public Health England, Slough residents are among the most affected by air pollution in the South East. As a result, Slough Borough Council is looking at proposals for the establishment of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to tackle air pollution, as part of its Low Emission Strategy.

Slough has also designated five Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which breach the national average, including junctions 5 and 6 of the M4, as well as the town centre.