Cardiff City Council Evolve

All content on this case study was created prior to the acquisition of EB Charging by Blink Charging.

Executive Summary

Using our EVolve fleet analysis, Blink provided Cardiff City Council with the understanding of the current functionality of the local taxi community, including taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) operators. We assessed the feasibility of transitioning to an electric taxi fleet, and quantified the air quality improvements which would be achieved with the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). The in-depth analysis demonstrates the possibility of transitioning to EVs is achievable with minimal disruption to the driver, and their current driving practices.

About Cardiff City Council

Cardiff City Council are committed to install convenient charging solutions and infrastructure across the region. Cardiff City Council wanted to understand the operational picture of their own licensed vehicles to ensure that they optimise provision for the current taxi community, and have appropriate resources for future regional EV development plans.

“The survey will provide the council with a drop-off and pick-up heat map, enabling grant-funded taxi EV charge infrastructure to be strategically deployed across the city. This forms a key element of the Council’s Capital Ambition commitment to deliver its Clean Air Strategy for the City, which looks to make availability of charge point infrastructure a key priority to enable Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) take up a reality.”

Councillor Caro Wild, County Council of the City and County of Cardiff, Strategic Planning and Transport

The Challenge

• Quantify the Air Quality improvements afforded by switching to EVs.
• Evidence the main routes and stopping points of the local taxi population, for possible charging point requirements and locations.
• Prove the feasibility of converting to EVs for the taxi/PHV fleet vehicles.
• Advise on any changes in practices or working methods as required by changing to EVs.
• Analyse and compare the running costs of existing vehicles with EVs.
• Provide bespoke assessments to individual drivers.
• Work openly and fairly with the taxi community.

Our Solution

With an agreed assessment period of 28 days, from 13th June 2025 to the 11th July 2025, Blink installed telematic devices into 25 vehicles across the Premier Cars fleet.

Once installed, the devices were connected to the Blink analysis software, which recorded the individualised routes, stops, and mileage. To comply with legal regulations, all of the driver / vehicle information was anonymised, ensuring the specific details of individual vehicles is not shared anywhere, except with the individual themselves.

After installation, the drivers were required only to continue their normal daily routines. On the agreed date, Blink uninstalled the devices and provided each driver with their individual reports.

The Results

Using DVLA data on the performance of each existing vehicle, Blink were able to accurately assess the volume of emissions and the running costs of the existing fleet. By comparing these results against an equivalent sized EV (in this case a Nissan e-NV200), we were able to show the following savings on both running costs and emissions, on moving the fleet to EVs.

The following data was recorded for the 25 vehicles in the assessment. Any individual reports are taken from the same driver throughout this case study.

Data recorded for one vehicle (see analysis dashboard below)

• Average number of days / shifts analysed : 28
• Average driver efficiency rating : B
• Total mileage : 2,492
• Average miles per trip : 7
• Average trips per day : 13
• Average daily mileage : 89
• Rapid charge opportunities : 38

Data recorded for all vehicles (see analysis dashboard below)

• Average number of days/shifts analysed : 32
• Average driver efficiency rating : A
• Total mileage : 55,727
• Average miles per trip : 5.8
• Average trips per day : 353
• Average daily fleet mileage : 2258
• Rapid Charge opportunities : 765

Estimated running costs savings

• Total savings during the test period for 1 vehicle : £ 183.79
• Total savings during the test period for 25 vehicles : £ 4,054.26
• Annualised savings for 1 vehicle : £ 1,772.21
• Annualised savings for 25 vehicles : £ 44,353.73

Estimated emissions savings

Feasibility

The feasibility data recorded in this assessment is under the assumption that the vehicles in question have the opportunity to be inactive for six hours daily. This would give the vehicle the opportunity to charge fully before the start of their shift (i.e charge overnight at home, a depot or off-street parking).

A total of 9,472 separate trips were recorded for all vehicles. Of these, a total of 5 trips would have required a top-up charge.
The individual driver had a total of 1 idling event, with a total of 13 minutes and 36 seconds.
There were 16 idling events recorded across the fleet with a total of 3 minutes and 04 seconds.
The heat mapping provided evidence to accurately place charging points, to ensure usage with minimal disruption to the driver; whilst the data shows the projected usage requirements depending on the uptake of EVs. As below, the heat mapping shows a general view of convenient charging locations across Cardiff followed by a focused view of the city. The more time spent by the drivers in each location results in a bigger circle.

*Overall view of assessment hotspots across Cardiff city.

*Localised heat map of hotspots in Cardiff.

*Detailed view of Cardiff city centre.

Cardiff University Hospital

One site that was identified as a prime location for a rapid charger was Cardiff University Hospital. As you can see from the below heat map, this would be an ideal location to serve the taxi and PHV operators.

Summary

This report has enabled Cardiff City Council to accurately forecast the total amount of emissions that could be saved, by transitioning the licensed taxi/PHV fleet to EVs.
The heat map has accurately provided evidence of a number of sites that could potentially be used to install a rapid charger. These sites would give the local authority a choice as to the placement of the charger, ensuring maximum usage with minimal disruption to the drivers during their working day.
The feasibility study showed there would be minimal disruption for the taxi drivers, on a day-to-day basis, to switch to an EV from their existing vehicles.
Raring to join the rEVolution?

Everyone’s journey to electric is unique, which is why our products and services are designed to complement each other in order to meet your clean air goals. If this case study has similarities to your needs, visit our Analysis page, where our EVolve service will prove the feasibility of EVs for your driving requirements.