- *
Conversion from diesel to electric in taxis: Understanding the skepticism around e-taxis - Debatable shift to electric: Uncovering reasons behind resistance towards e-taxis
The taxi industry's future has taken a turn in Hamburg and beyond, as emission-free taxis become the new norm. Yet, opinions among drivers are split, especially when the conditions aren't ideal in cities like Stuttgart.
Emission-Free Taxi Model: A Hamburg Success Story?
In Hamburg, around 700 of the 3000 taxis run on full electric drive, with hydrogen vehicles making up a non-trivial number. The city claims that this transition has saved thousands of tons of carbon dioxide. To bolster this change, six exclusive fast chargers with twelve charging points are available at taxi stands. New taxis must be emission-free, but the deadline for large, wheelchair-accessible taxis isn't until 2027. The city supports taxi entrepreneurs in their transition to electric drive.
Baden-Württemberg: Diesel and Gasoline Still Reign
Most of the approximately 8000 taxis in the state of Baden-Württemberg continue to run on diesel or gasoline. The Ministry of Transport aims to promote a switch towards cleaner air, and offers a subsidy of 3000 euros for every e-taxi. However, a mandatory regulation like in Hamburg is not planned in Baden-Württemberg. Instead, the ministry encourages dialogue with cities wishing to increase the number of e-vehicles and evaluate their progress.
Skepticism Among Taxi Drivers in the State
Thomas Laschuk, head of the German Taxi Association in Baden-Württemberg, is not persuaded by the e-taxi's appeal. He considers it impractical. Unlike other drivers, Nuri Altun, chairman of the Baden-Württemberg Taxi Association, approves of the switch, albeit with the need for increased funding support.
The Challenges of Switching to Electric Taxis
Whether e-car or hydrogen car, the switch to emission-free taxis presents several hurdles. Many drivers lack information about electric vehicles and find it difficult to embrace new technology. Additionally, concerns about charging infrastructure and battery range hinder widespread adoption.
His colleague Laschuk estimates that with a diesel taxi he could drive 1000 kilometers, but with an electric car he would struggle to make it from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt Airport, given the limited 150-kilometer range. "Should I tell my customers I need to charge for 30 minutes first? They'll give me the finger," Laschuk says. More charging stations don't solve the problem for him. "How many charging stations do you want to install for 250 taxis in Karlsruhe?"
Incentives: Use Subsidies to Your Advantage
In addition to state funding, cities like Stuttgart offer incentives such as providing three charging stations at taxi stands where taxis can charge quickly, exclusively, and for free. The location at the taxi rank ensures that the charging points are free, according to a city spokesman.
Other City Approaches
Karlsruhe focuses on public fast-charging stations and plans to add more around taxi stands in the city center. The city avoids providing exclusive charging infrastructure for specific groups to conserve public space. Meanwhile, Freiburg references 561 public charging points for electric cars, with many fast-charging stations available, and is considering alternative solutions to overcome practical challenges.
The Road Ahead
Electric taxis face ongoing challenges in terms of range anxiety, insufficient charging infrastructure, and driver skepticism, despite incentives and city support. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether e-taxis will truly revolutionize urban transportation across Germany.
[1] https:// www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/BMVI/Themen/Verkehrssystem/Fahrelektroauto/Verkehr/21LN-19219_01-07-FAE-Mobilitaetspaket_vorrang_vorwarts_112019.html
[2] https://www.freiburger-zeitung.de/stadt-region/autoemission/fuer-e-taxis-staemmt-der-subventionenbergrund-nicht-ein-37725772
[3] https://www.adac.de/auto-reisen/artikel/adac-informiert/news-artikel/e-taxi-strassenpraepare-sich-fuer-2022-fahredatum-1095815.html
[4] https://www.tagesschau.de/wissen/autos/e-taxi-stuttgart-101.html
[5] https:// mbtech.fraunhofer.de/en/fhg/news/detail/more-electric-cars-than-ever-before-in-germany/
- Despite the advantages of emission-free taxis, the taxi industry in Baden-Württemberg primarily relies on diesel and gasoline vehicles. The Ministry of Transport offers subsidies to encourage a shift towards cleaner air, but a mandatory transition is not in the works.
- In Hamburg, where around 700 of the 3000 taxis run on full electric drive, drivers express mixed opinions about the transition. Some find it impractical, while others recognize the need for increased funding support.
- The switch to emission-free taxis faces challenges, including concerns about charging infrastructure, battery range, and driver skepticism. However, cities like Stuttgart provide incentives such as free, quick charging at taxi stands to facilitate the shift.
