WeFlex has agreed a multi-million-pound fleet deal with Toyota to meet demand from London's ride-hailing market for fully electric vehicles (EVs).

It has placed an order for 165 bZ4X models for the London ride-hailing market with a retail value of £7 million.

WeFlex now has a fleet in excess of 2,300 pure EVs, offering ride-hailing drivers finance on a range of brands.

Their EVs have driven more than 90 million zero-emission miles and, it says, demand from the ride-hailing market vastly exceeds current supply.

WeFlex explained that the market needs to transition to EVs due to a mix of regulatory pressure from local authorities and the requirements of the ride-hailing platforms.

Uber’s stated goal of achieving a fully electric fleet in London of 55,000 drivers by the end of 2025, for instance, is reliant on there being sufficient vehicle stock for its drivers to purchase.

Nicko Williamson, founder and CEO of WeFlex, said: “We are excited to see such a positive reception already from our customers for the bZ4X, which is a great vehicle.

“To significantly reduce vehicle-based carbon emissions, Britain needs more electric vehicles – and the ride-hailing industry is a huge part of that, with WeFlex electric vehicles covering 90 million miles already and counting.

“We remain on a mission to ensure that drivers have access to the biggest range of affordable EVs.”

Paul Thomas (left) Toyota area fleet sales manager with Nicko Williamson, CEO of WeFlex

Neil Broad, general manager One Toyota Fleet Services, said: “WeFlex’s commitment to bZ4X is a valuable seal of approval for the vehicle’s quality and capabilities.

“Providing smooth and refined performance, spacious accommodation and the well-proven reliability and durability of our electrified vehicle technologies, it is sure to become a popular choice for WeFlex’s customers.”

The bZ4X is available via WeFlex for only £219pw, with a £500 deposit, on a five-year rent-to-buy scheme.