Transport for London (TfL) has launched a public consultation on proposals to require all newly licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs) in London to be fully electric from 2028. The proposed rules would cover ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt and Lyft, as well as traditional minicabs, but would not apply to separately regulated taxis.
Under the proposal, petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles would no longer qualify for new PHV licences from 2028. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles would receive a transition period until July 2030. The consultation is open until December 2, 2026.
TfL Projects Lower Transport Emissions
TfL says the proposed changes aim to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions from London’s private hire fleet. Its projections suggest nitrogen oxide emissions from PHVs could fall by 9% and CO₂ emissions by 35% over the first ten years. Over an 18-year period, reductions of up to 97% in both emissions are projected.
These figures are forecasts rather than guaranteed outcomes.
London’s fleet has already made progress towards electrification. As of September 2026, 35.5% of the city’s 94,661 licensed PHVs were fully battery-electric, while another 35.2% were plug-in hybrids.
Additional Licensing Changes Proposed
TfL is also proposing further changes to vehicle licensing. From March 2027, PHVs aged ten years or older would no longer be eligible to retain a licence.
The authority also plans to reduce the period for renewing expired taxi or PHV licences from two years to 12 months. Vehicles exceeding that deadline would be treated as new applications and required to meet the licensing rules in force at the time.
In addition, TfL proposes ending new approvals for conversion systems using alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas, as well as for additional exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Consultation Before a Final Decision
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, said the consultation builds on progress already made in transitioning London’s private hire fleet towards zero-emission vehicles.
TfL also recognises the role of private hire services in providing door-to-door transport, particularly in areas where public transport coverage is limited.
The proposed requirements have not yet been adopted. Their final form will depend on the consultation responses and subsequent decisions by the transport authority.