How Taxi Fleet Finance Can Drive Cleaner, Greener Private Hire Services

With fuel costs rising, low-emission zones expanding, and competition increasing across the UK’s private hire sector, fleet owners are under pressure to modernise. But upgrading your vehicles — especially to electric or hybrid models — can be expensive. That’s where tailored taxi fleet finance can make a real difference.



At Avro Finance, we help taxi companies access flexible, affordable finance to grow and futureproof their fleets, no matter their size or credit history.

Why now is the time to upgrade your taxi fleet.

More local authorities are tightening emissions rules and expanding Clean Air Zones (CAZ). From London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to new restrictions in cities like Bristol and Manchester, the trend is clear: high-emission vehicles are becoming more expensive to operate.

Meanwhile, many passengers — especially those booking executive or airport transfers — are actively seeking low-emission or electric vehicles. Offering these as standard could help your business stand out in a crowded market.



The case for electric and hybrid taxis.

Shifting to electric or hybrid taxis is about more than compliance. It’s about long-term profitability. Here’s why many operators are making the switch:

1. Cost Efficiency

EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, so maintenance tends to be cheaper. Electricity is also significantly less expensive per mile than fuel, and many models now offer strong ranges suitable for urban and intercity routes.

2. Increased Passenger Appeal

From Uber Green to black cab services, passengers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Offering clean, quiet vehicles can boost your bookings — particularly from corporate clients.

3. Avoiding Charges and Penalties

ULEZ and CAZ fees can eat into your profits. Investing in compliant vehicles helps you avoid these daily charges, keeping your operating costs in check.

4. Futureproofing Your Business

As the government continues to push for net-zero targets, older petrol and diesel models will become harder to operate or insure. Switching now protects your business from future disruption.



How taxi fleet finance works

Many operators want to go electric but hesitate due to upfront costs. A new EV or plug-in hybrid can cost significantly more than a petrol equivalent — and buying several at once can put serious strain on your cash flow.

Getting started: What we look for.

That’s where Avro Finance comes in. Our taxi fleet finance solutions are designed specifically for fleet operators, owner-drivers, and hire firms.

We offer:

• Hire purchase agreements
• Finance lease options
• Refinance packages for existing fleets
• Support for new or used vehicles
• Flexible terms tailored to your budget and growth plans

Whether you run a fleet of 5, 15, or 50 vehicles, we can help you spread the cost of investment while keeping your business moving.



Who we work with?

We finance fleets across the UK — from city-based operators with mostly electric saloons, to rural hire services investing in plug-in hybrid MPVs. We also support:

• Executive and chauffeur companies
• Airport transfer specialists
• Hackney & LEVC
• Ride-hailing drivers (e.g. Uber, Bolt, Ola)
• Owner-drivers looking to finance their first vehicle

Our team is experienced in working with businesses that have complex or variable incomes, and we’ll consider applications even if your credit history isn’t perfect.

A changing market: why taxi fleets are going electric

More operators are now switching to EVs in response to:

• Local council incentives or EV grants
• Contract tenders requiring low-emission vehicles
• Passenger demand for greener rides
• Rising fuel and maintenance costs

We’ve seen a sharp rise in applications for electric taxis — particularly models like the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius Plug-in, and Mercedes EQE for executive fleets. These vehicles help reduce operating costs while adding polish to your service offering.



What you'll need to apply

The application process is straightforward. We’ll typically ask for:

Basic business info (company type, trading history)

Details of the vehicles you want to finance

Estimated mileage and usage

Any supporting financials or proof of income

In some cases, we can offer same-day decisions — and we’ll always explain your options clearly.



Upgrade your taxi fleet with flexible finance

Whether you’re replacing old vehicles or investing in electric taxis for the first time, we’re here to help. Contact our teamor apply now to get started.