Transport for London (TfL) has initiated a public consultation regarding new licensing requirements for private hire vehicles (PHV). The proposal suggests that starting in 2028, all newly licensed vehicles must be fully battery-electric. This mandate would apply to ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Lyft, as well as traditional minicabs, excluding black taxis.
For wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the transition period is extended until July 2030. The consultation process remains open until 2 December 2026. TfL reports that as of September, 35.5 per cent of the 94,661 licensed PHVs in London were already fully electric, with an additional 35.2 per cent being plug-in hybrids.
Beyond electrification, TfL proposes stricter vehicle age limits. From March 2027, vehicles aged ten years or older will lose their eligibility for a valid licence. Furthermore, the authority plans to reduce the renewal period for expired licences from two years to twelve months. New approvals for alternative fuel conversion systems will also be discontinued.
