e-Taxi clocks up 55,000kms and significant savings

Padraig Daly with Tara O’Farrell at the announcement of the savings made by Padraig, the driver of the e-Taxi, over the last 18 months.

A Dublin taxi driver has clocked up 55,000kms in his Nissan LEAF electric car and made a saving of approximately €6,500 over the last 18 months, writes Padraic Deane.

The 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF which has been part of a trial between ESB ecars and National Radio Cabs (NRC) has clocked up more than 55,000kms on Dublin roads. The trial, to evaluate electric vehicles as part of the taxi industry, has been deemed so successful that it will be extended for another year.

Analysis shows that savings of up to 12.9 cent per km can be achieved by driving an electric vehicle, powered by night rate electricity, in comparison with a conventional car. For 55,000kms, this would equate to fuel savings of some €6,500 and a net reduction in more than four tonnes of CO2 emissions.

In addition to the fuel and emission savings, electric vehicles also benefit by availing of a government grant of up to €5,000 on the purchase price, qualifying for the lowest band of road tax (€120), and from significantly lower maintenance and service costs. Over the 18 months, services costs experienced by the e-Taxi were minimal.

The ecar can be recharged at night at the taxi driver’s home through a dedicated home charge-point, allowing him/her to avail of low night rate electricity tariffs. He/she can also easily charge during the day at any of the on-street charge-points around Dublin city which have been installed by ESB.

Manager of ESB ecars, Dermot McArdle, said: “Ireland’s first e-Taxi trial has been a huge success and we are delighted, in conjunction with our partners, NRC Taxis, to extend it by another year. The long term trial in a real life environment endorses the suitability of electric vehicles as both taxis and for the general public. To support electric vehicles, ESB is continuing to roll out a growing network of public charging infrastructure. In Dublin alone, there are over 120 public charge-points including 10 fast chargers.”

“The e-Taxi has proved really popular with passengers,” said Padraig Daly of NRC Taxis. He added,“Most are pleasantly surprised at how well it performs in comparison to petrol-or diesel-fuelled cars, and how quiet it is.”

Liam Brady, managing director of NRC Taxis, said: “NRC Taxis are honoured to be associated with the ESB and the e-Taxi over the past two years. It has been enlightening for us as a company, to engage with such an initiative; which not only is good for the environment but also beneficial as a cost saving measure in running a taxi. We would expect more drivers to take up the electric option in the coming years and NRC look forward to being a part of that e-Taxi future.”