Ecoigo

Ecoigo is an environmentally conscious London-based company, which offers corporate taxicab, chauffeur and private hire in the United Kingdom.^[1] In 2011, Jonathan Broom sold his shares in Ecoigo in order to offer support, advice and investment to startup companies and to build his own home which was featured on Grand Designs.^[2] In April 2014 Ecoigo went into administration and was bought by WestOne Cars, which is owned by Addison Lee.^[3][4]

The company

Co-founders Daniel Todary and Jonathan Broom set up Ecoigo in April 2006 as the ecologically sustainable alternative^[5] to pollution caused by public and private transport in central London.^[6] Ecoigo offer transport for individuals^[7] and businesses ^[8] working towards zero emission transport across the capital.^[9] They are licensed by the Public Carriage Office, a division of the Mayor of London’s office responsible for taxis, cabs and private hire in London.^[10]

Environmental sustainability

The Toyota Prius is the world's top selling hybrid car,^[11] with cumulative global sales of 2.36 million units by August 2011.^[12]

Ecoigo engage in programmes of carbon offset as a means of promoting environmental sustainability. The company is partnered with The World Land Trust in promoting 'carbon positive' initiatives ^[13] such as rainforest rescue to protect some of the world’s most bio-diverse ecosystems.

In 2007, environmental policy coordinator Pete Wilkinson- co-founder of Greenpeace UK and Friends of the Earth, joined ecoigo. Pete Wilkinson is known for leading Greenpeace’s Antarctic expeditions, securing World Park Base status and declaring Antarctica off limits to mineral exploitation until 2041. He now focuses all his attention on environmental consultation, advises government and the nuclear regulators, as well as leading ecoigo’s environmental consultation team^[14]

Fleet and operations

Ecoigo exclusively use all-black Toyota Prius saloon cars, a hybrid hatchback developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation, as part of their London fleet.^[15] The Toyota Prius has been rated as one of the cleanest vehicles sold around the world based on smog forming and toxic emissions.^[16] With a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating and lower emissions than any car in its class, 40% lower than European standards for 2005, and with 87% fewer smog forming particles than an average new petrol only car,^[17] it has been calculated that each Prius with carbon dioxide emissions at 89g/km, saves well over a tonne of CO2 a year compared to a normal petrol only car (181g/km), let alone a people carrier or a black taxi (243g/km).^[18]

Wi-Fi enabled cars

Ecoigo have equipped their 150 car fleet with wireless Internet, allowing customers to use Wi-Fi inside the vehicle throughout their journey.

See also

• Energy Policy Act of 2005
• Comparison of Toyota hybrids
• List of hybrid vehicles
• Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
• UltraCommuter

References

External links

• Company website
• Greenpeace official site
• World Land Trust Sponsors