Are you familiar with the recent PHV Euro Emissions Standards update? As of Sunday 1st January 2023, if you have a Transport for London (TfL) licence your private hire vehicle needs to satisfy an updated Euro emissions standards criterion. These changes to private hire vehicle licensing requirements are a result of a wide-ranging consultation process and will bring the TfL in line with the Euro 6 emission standard. The change will hopefully result in a dramatic reduction of emissions in London and improve air quality nationwide.
As specialist providers of taxi and PHV insurance since 1982, Acorn Insurance want to make you aware of the changes. We also aim to provide considerations to bear in mind when purchasing or renting a vehicle in the future.
What are the Euro 6 Emission Standards?
The Euro 6 Emission Standards is a legal requirement for all car manufacturers. Vehicles must now generate average CO2 emissions below 98g/km. The Euro 6 Emission Standards also focus on limiting Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx emissions are significant pollutants that all engine types produce. They contribute to smog creation, can travel great distances, and form secondary nitrate particulates in the atmosphere. The Euro 6 Emission standards also target particulate Matter (PM). PM contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small you can inhale them. This allows them to enter the bloodstream. They then travel around the body and can lodge in the heart, brain, and other organs, causing health problems.
What are the Euro 6 Emission Standard changes?
Following the Euro 6 Emission Standards changes, licensing requirements for private hire vehicles (PHVs) have altered accordingly. These changes only apply to vehicles being licensed as PHV in the London area. From Sunday 1st January 2023, all PHVs licensed for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC). They must also meet the Euro 6 Emissions Standards. Any vehicles already licensed by TfL must be no older than 10 years at the time of re-licensing. To satisfy the PHV Euro 6 ZEC requirements a vehicle must, therefore:
- Emit no more than 50g/km CO2 and is capable of zero exhaust emissions for a minimum range of 10 miles.
- Emit no more than 75g/km CO2 exhaust emissions and is capable of zero emissions for a minimum range of 20 miles.
- Meet the Euro 6 emissions standards if an internal combustion engine is part of the vehicle specification. For example, hybrid vehicles.
You can check the tfl.gov.uk page for further information and any potential future updates.
How to check if your PHV vehicle is compliant
Firstly, any vehicles already licensed by TfL must be no older than 10 years at the time of re-licensing. Secondly, when purchasing a PHV for use in the London area ensure it meets the ZEC requirements. If the vehicle has not been licensed before check this prior to purchase. Finally, several other important key considerations, include:
- The vehicle’s zero-emission range.
- Is the vehicle fully electric or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle?
- Ensure that the vehicle’s CO2 emission standard on the logbook is not over 75g/km.
- Does the logbook state the vehicle is, as a minimum, Euro 6 Emission Standard compliant?
Presenting your PHV for licensing inspection
If your vehicle’s logbook does not provide all the required information, you can obtain a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that will confirm the ZEC and Euro 6 Emission Standard compliance. You can present your CoC during licensing inspection. It is your responsibility to make sure vehicles presented for licensing meet these requirements. Licensing authorities reserve the right to refuse to inspect/licence any vehicle that does not adhere to the current licencing requirements.
Specialist insurance quotes for PHV vehicles
Whether you are looking for annual PHV taxi insurance, short term taxi cover or you own a fleet, Acorn offers over 40 years of dedicated experience in the taxi insurance industry, with a wide range of policies that we endeavour to tailor to your unique requirements.
Acorn Insurance also specialises in helping those who may have previous claims, driving convictions, or points on their licence. Click the above links for a hassle-free, no-obligation quotation today!
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