Blacklane, who are a global chauffeur group, has invested in London’s Havn chauffeur service. Blacklane is now the majority stakeholder and the deal will allow them to offer even more zero-emission rides throughout the country.
Havn started out in the capital offering customers clean transportation in all-electric Jaguar I-PACE sports utility vehicles. This venture began in September 2019 with the backing of InMotion Ventures, which is Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital and mobility services arm.
Blacklane has operated in London since 2013, and like Havn, employed chauffeurs perform all rides. Its chauffeurs also follow strict COVID health and safety measures to be able to operate in the current climate. Both companies have broken ground with their sustainability practices which makes the partnership such a good one.
Blacklane has offset carbon emissions of all rides and business operations worldwide since 2017. This is a first for the sector. It has used electric cars in London and beyond since 2018. This year, it will offset pre-2017 emissions to be carbon neutral since its founding.
Dr Jens Wohltorf, Blacklane CEO and co-founder, said: “While electric vehicles are a novelty in chauffeured transportation right now, we will make them the norm.”
Havn and Blacklane will continue operating separately, learning from one another and cooperating on sustainability. The current Havn experience will remain the same with its app, online service and the way they roll on the road. As mobility restrictions ease and travel resumes, Havn plans to expand its fleet.
Sascha Meskendahl, chief revenue officer of Blacklane and director of Havn, said: “Havn has proved Londoners don’t have to compromise. Customers can have safety, sustainability and sanitisation at the same time. With our combined expertise, Havn and Blacklane will provide more zero-emission rides in London and beyond to lead the next era of chauffeured services worldwide.”
