Minicabit has introduced zero emission Tesla cabs to its platform as YouGov survey data reveals 48% of respondents prefer to book low emission cabs if given the choice.

The survey, commissioned by Minicabit and Heathrow airport, asked if people would book an eco-friendly Minicabit over a non-eco-friendly minicab if all things were equal and they were given the choice.

Regionally the demand for low emission cabs was highest in the South West (58%) and lowest in the North East (38%).

In particular, millennials, represented here by students, are more likely to book eco-friendly cars, with 73% saying they would do so compared to only 41% among retirees.

In line with Minicabit’s ethos to build an environmentally sustainable business, the online cab price comparison and booking service has also announced its commitment to ensuring 25% of cabs offered on its platforms by its fleets nationwide are low and zero emission vehicles by 2020.

As its first step in fulfilling this pledge, the company has introduced zero emission Model S Tesla cabs onto its platform.

Customers who choose to travel in zero emissions cabs can book a Tesla through Minicabit’s app and website, by selecting the ‘Tesla’ option from the drop down menu on Minicabit’s website when booking. This option will also be made available to Minicabit’s partners, including Heathrow airport, which has also integrated its premium cab booking and comparison service, Chauffeurit, onto its web site, and its other airport partners, to offer travellers the option of booking zero emission cabs to get them to and from the airports.

Amer Hasan, CEO of Minicabit, said: “The diversity of booking options on minicabit’s UK-wide platform uniquely enables us to monitor changing cab requirements. So when we saw customers increasingly choosing zero emission options over cheaper quotes when booking their cab ride, they’re really showing us their green side.

“Committing to 25% of the cabs on minicabit offered by our fleets being low and zero emission vehicles by 2020, and introducing Tesla cab fleets onto our platform now, enables customers and businesses UK wide and not just in London to benefit from more sustainable cab travel.”

Matt Gorman, Heathrow director of sustainability and environment, added: “Tackling the issue of poor air quality around London, and in trouble spots like the M4, requires cooperation between partners.

“Heathrow welcomes the work Minicabit is doing to reduce road emissions, the largest source of air pollution in our local communities.

“Together, we can deliver for the environment while still providing passenger with choice and a high standard of service that they have come to expect from our airport and our partners.”