The initiative was launched last year following successful tests in the city, which sees taxis and other forms of public transport as a way to reduce traffic and rationalise car ownership.

Using an iron-phosphate battery, the BYD e6 offers a range of over 180 miles to a single charge, with a large boot and space for five occupants. It is already a popular taxi globally, with 850 deployed in Shenzhen in China, 45 in Hong Kong, 20 in London and a fleet in service in Rotterdam.