Going Green: Swapping Diesel with Electric Power in Taxis
Pondering over Diesel: The Bias Against Electrical Taxis - Diesel-replacing electric taxi adoption facing skepticism: Reasons behind electric taxi apprehension
Embrace the electric revolution, because it's already hit the roads - at least in Hamburg! The city has forbidden the registration of diesel taxis since this year, and electric ones are ruling the roost. But is this a trend that'll sweep across the southwest too? Here's the skinny on this green mobility switcheroo.
Hamburg's e-taxi model
About 700 of Hamburg’s 3000 taxis run solely on electricity, and there are digits worth of hydrogen-powered vehicles too. The city claims this shift saves thousands of tons of CO2. There are six exclusive fast charging stations with twelve charging points available at regular taxi stands. Every new taxi must be emission-free. However, this rule only applies to large and wheelchair-accessible taxis starting from 2027. Older diesel engines can continue to ride until then. The city grants support to taxi businesses switching to electric drives.
Baden-Württemberg's case
Most of the approximately 8,000 taxis in the state run on diesel or gasoline. Yet, in the name of cleaner air, the green Ministry of Transport actively promotes the switchover. A €3,000 subsidy is up for grabs for each e-taxi. Freiburg welcomes this "E-Taxi funding program" but thinks it needs a boost.
A commitment similar to Hamburg is not on the cards in Baden-Württemberg. The ministry relies on cities that want to boost the eco-friendly taxi fleet through incentives. "We'll analyze the effectiveness of this strategy," said a ministry spokesman.
Scoffing at the switch: What taxi drivers think
Thomas Laschuk, head of the Taxi Association Germany in Baden-Württemberg, isn't keen on the change. He found his brief stint with an e-taxi impractical. Passengers don't live and die by the green. They want a clean car, a fluent driver, and a quick, budget-friendly ride.
Nuri Altun, chairman of the Taxi Association Baden-Württemberg (based in Stuttgart), favors the switch. He's a green advocate and plans to get an e-vehicle soon. By the end of the year, Altun estimates at least 50-60 e-taxis will be cruising in Stuttgart alone.
The nitty-gritty
Whether electric or hydrogen-powered: "I've been promoting the switch for years, but many taxi drivers aren't well-informed about e-cars," says Altun. There's a lack of awareness, and it's hard to convince them about something new. Add to that the issues of charging infrastructure and the electric car's limited battery range.
Lashuk reckons: "My diesel taxi takes me 1000 kilometers. With the electric car, I'd have troubles getting to Frankfurt Airport if the power only lasts for 150 kilometers. Should I say: I need to charge for half an hour? The customers will show me the finger!" More charging stations don't help much in Lashuk's book. "How many charging stations do you want to install for 250 taxis in Karlsruhe?"
The incentives
Apart from government funding, some cities are pushing for the switch too. For example, there are three charging stations in Stuttgart where taxis can juice up quickly, for free, and exclusively. These stations are part of the "E-Taxi Action Plan" of the city. The location at the taxi stand ensures that the charging points are free, according to a city spokesperson.
- The shift towards electric taxis in cities, like Hamburg, aims to save thousands of tons of CO2, as emission-free taxis become a requirement for new vehicles in certain categories.
- In Baden-Württemberg, where most taxis are still diesel or gasoline powered, the ministry promotes the shift towards greener vehicles with a subsidy of €3,000 per e-taxi, though cities will determine the approach to boost the eco-friendly taxi fleet.
- Some taxi drivers, like Thomas Laschuk, question the practicality of electric taxis due to their limited battery range and the need for frequent charging, potentially impacting ride efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Environmental advocates, such as Nuri Altun, back the switch to electric taxis, with plans to introduce more eco-friendly vehicles to the fleet in cities like Stuttgart.
- To encourage the switch, cities like Stuttgart provide exclusive, free charging stations for taxis at taxi stands, with the goal of creating a supportive infrastructure for the adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
