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The buzz around electric vehicles is undeniable, and the taxi industry is right in the thick of it. We’re seeing more electric cabs hitting the streets, hailed as saviours of urban air quality. But as someone who’s spent years observing the shifts in urban transport, I know it’s crucial to look beyond the hype. Are electric taxis truly the sustainable powerhouse they’re made out to be, or are there hidden environmental costs we’re overlooking? Let’s dive into the real impact.

Clearing the air: Emissions and urban health

The most immediate and visible benefit of swapping traditional petrol or diesel cabs for electric ones is the elimination of tailpipe emissions. Think about the constant stop-start nature of taxi work in dense city centres – those fumes add up. Electric taxis produce zero emissions at the point of use, which is a massive win for urban air quality. Cities choked by smog stand to gain significantly, potentially reducing respiratory illnesses and improving the overall health of residents. We’re talking about cutting out harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) right where people live and breathe. This isn’t just theory; guidance from the Energy Saving Trust highlights how EVs contribute to cleaner air, a crucial factor as more cities implement Clean Air Zones that penalise polluting vehicles. An electric taxi sails through these zones, making it not just an environmental choice, but a practical one for drivers and fleet owners facing new regulations.

Beyond the tailpipe: The lifecycle perspective

Okay, zero tailpipe emissions sound great, but the story doesn’t end there. We need to consider the entire lifecycle – from manufacturing the car and its battery to generating the electricity that powers it, and finally, its end-of-life disposal. Producing EV batteries, particularly the lithium-ion ones common today, is an energy-intensive process. Analysis by EDF Energy points out that manufacturing can release significant CO2 and other gases. The source of the electricity used for charging is also paramount. An electric taxi charged using coal-fired power plants has a much larger carbon footprint than one charged using renewable sources like wind or solar. Fortunately, the trend is positive. As electricity grids across Europe and elsewhere get greener, the lifetime emissions advantage of EVs grows substantially. A comprehensive lifecycle analysis by Transport & Environment found that even in a worst-case scenario (battery made in China, driven in Poland), an EV still emits 37% less CO2 than a petrol car over its lifetime. In the best case (Swedish battery and driving), that figure jumps to an impressive 83% reduction. This highlights that while production emissions are a factor, the overall picture for EVs is significantly cleaner, and improving.

The raw materials question

We also can’t ignore the resources needed for batteries. Mining materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel carries its own environmental and social baggage. Concerns about water pollution, energy consumption during extraction and refining, and ethical issues surrounding labour practices, particularly in cobalt mining, are valid and require serious attention from the industry. Initiatives are underway to improve transparency, promote ethical sourcing, and develop battery chemistries that rely less on problematic materials. Furthermore, developing robust battery recycling processes is critical to creating a circular economy and minimising waste. While these challenges are real, they are being actively addressed through technological innovation and industry collaboration, aiming to make the entire EV supply chain more sustainable.

Operational realities: Efficiency, cost, and infrastructure

From a driver and fleet owner’s perspective, environmental benefits need to align with operational viability. Here, electric taxis often shine. They are inherently more energy-efficient, especially in city driving conditions with lots of braking and accelerating, where regenerative braking can recapture energy. This translates into lower ‘fuel’ costs. While electricity prices fluctuate, charging an EV, especially during off-peak hours, is generally much cheaper than filling a tank with petrol or diesel. Add lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts, no oil changes) and potential exemptions from road tax or congestion charges, and the total cost of ownership can become very attractive over the vehicle’s lifespan. Data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center supports the efficiency and potential cost savings associated with EVs.

Range anxiety and the charging challenge

The classic concerns – range anxiety and charging availability – are often raised. However, for urban taxi operations, these may be less critical than perceived. A study focusing on Manhattan, using extensive taxi trip data, found that batteries with a modest range of 50-90 miles (80-145 km) could suffice for the majority of taxi operations, provided there’s adequate charging infrastructure. The key is strategic charging during downtime. The study suggested that Manhattan would need a significant increase in charging stations, perhaps tripling the current number, to support a fully electric taxi fleet. Similarly, a study in Santiago, Chile, found that a vast majority of taxi trips (87-94%) could be completed with EVs, again highlighting the critical role of accessible fast-charging infrastructure. Building out this infrastructure is arguably the biggest hurdle, requiring coordinated investment from public and private sectors, something The European Investment Bank (EIB) actively supports through funding and advisory services.

Integrating electric taxis into the urban fabric

Electric taxis aren’t just about swapping one vehicle type for another; they are part of a larger shift towards sustainable urban mobility. Their success depends on how well they integrate with other transport modes and urban planning strategies. As sustainable urban planning principles emphasize, integrating land use and transport planning is key to reducing overall travel demand and promoting efficient public transport. Electric taxis can complement public transport, providing first/last-mile connectivity and serving areas less accessible by bus or train. Furthermore, the push towards electrification aligns perfectly with global goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11.2, which calls for affordable, accessible, safe, and sustainable transport systems for all. International efforts, such as initiatives like the Sustainable Urban Transport Project backed by the Green Climate Fund, and similar projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in places like India, underscore the global commitment to decarbonising urban transport, where electric taxis play a vital role.

The rise of automated electric fleets

Looking ahead, the combination of electrification and automation holds significant potential. Shared, automated electric vehicles (SAEVs), or ‘robotaxis’, could further optimize urban transport. Research from Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley suggests that SAEV fleets could dramatically cut service costs and environmental impact. Their modelling for Manhattan indicated potential greenhouse gas reductions of up to 73% and energy use cuts of 58% compared to conventional automated vehicles. Similarly, research from the Center for Sustainable Systems highlights how optimized robotaxi fleets, using smaller vehicles and smart routing, could reduce congestion and lifecycle environmental impacts. While full automation is still evolving, it represents a future where electric taxis could be even more efficient and integrated.

Not just swapping engines, but shifting mindsets

Ultimately, the transition to electric taxis is more than a technological fix; it’s part of a necessary evolution in how we think about urban mobility. While EVs offer substantial environmental gains over combustion engines, particularly in reducing local air pollution, they aren’t a silver bullet for all transport woes. As some insights on sustainable city mobility caution, even electric cars consume resources, contribute to traffic, and generate particulate matter from tires and brakes. True sustainability requires a holistic approach: investing heavily in high-quality public transport, making cities safer and more attractive for walking and cycling, and planning urban spaces intelligently to reduce the need for constant travel. Electric taxis fit into this picture as a cleaner, quieter option for on-demand transport, complementing rather than replacing other sustainable modes. The journey towards genuinely sustainable urban transport involves technological advancements like electric taxis, but equally importantly, it demands supportive policies, infrastructure investment, and a collective willingness to embrace more efficient and less impactful ways of moving around our cities.

This discussion pops up in many places where people are likely to hail cabs through a hailing app. It is good to hear them praising tech growth, yet absurd to hear the finality with which they dismiss taxis as we have traditionally known them.

Old-school taxis are not going anywhere. In fact, they are almost oblivious to the new-age entrants. Here’s why.

Taxis Work Superbly in a Well-Organised Environment

You see, the cab app business works best where the taxi business has been in chaos. In places where, for instance, taxi drivers used to bubble out the cost of a trip out of the blue, a metered cab solved that problem. In cities where any vehicle could be a taxi, the cab app found a gap to fill. The same goes for areas where taxi drivers were unethical and could not be held accountable.

This does not apply in properly planned cities. Here, taxis have stipulated colours and are clearly labelled. The meter billing system used by cabs? They always had it. Drivers do not have to pay commissions to the app company, meaning only a few of them will join the program. Clients too. They know they can always find a taxi passing by or parked nearby. Why, then, would they want to download an extra app?

The fact that cab app companies have faced complaints about and from their drivers does not improve their case.

A Complementary Industry

This article is not an on-demand-taxi slander. Instead, it is a rebuttal of the case made for the extinction of old-school taxis. They are here to stay.

What every on-demand taxi shareholder (mainly companies and drivers) needs to embrace is that taxi service providers can work in tandem. They can frequent areas that are not served by regular taxis. They can also unionize together to get better licensing conditions and train their crew on how to serve customers better.

Taxis are a popular way of getting from one place to another in a hurry and they are ideal if there are delays on buses or if you are not sure how to get to your destination any other way. But you may not realise that there is a certain amount of [taxi:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi etiquette that you should adhere to.

Good manners

You might think that this goes without saying but customers using a taxi should remember that while the driver is providing a service, they are not there to be spoken down to or abused. A growing number of taxi drivers have reported that some customers have not been polite and ]it is unfair to behave badly. Remember that often, the driver is using their own car to offer this service.

Don’t smoke

Smoking is illegal in public places and this is the same for taxis, The dangers of passive smoking mean that you could put the health of the drive or anyone else you are travelling with in danger. For the most part, taxi journeys are short, so doing without a cigarette for 10 or even 20 minutes should not be a hardship, but have a few nicotine alternatives to hand just in case. Options such as snus nicotine pouches are ideal to keep in a bag or pocket, they come in a variety of flavours and they are very easy to use.

All you need to do is have one of the snus to hand if you do get a craving while you are in a taxi, but are also idea if you are on any type of public transport or in any public place.

Leave a tip

While most people think that taxi journeys are expensive, in reality they are not. When you consider the cost of the time of the driver, the cost of fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle, taxi journeys are quite good value for money and if you have had a good service from the driver – collected and arrived on time in a well-maintained vehicle – then there is no reason not to leave them a tip.

It does not have to be a lot of money, but most people consider around 10-15% of the price of the journey to be a suitable amount to tip.

There are many reasons for using public transport, the biggest at the moment would have to be to help the environment. Green and eco friendly ways of travelling are becoming more popular as people are now ditching the really expensive fossil fuel powered vehicles and opting for electric vehicles or even public transport.

Door to door service

When you take a taxi you get a door to door service. They pick you up from your departure point and take you right to your destination. Easy as pie. When you take a bus you have to make your way to and from the nearest bus stop, which might not be on the route you need. It could mean more than one bus trip to complete your journey. This is far less convenient. For longer journeys a train is better, but again you need to go to the nearest train station, but if there is no direct train to your destination, then you will need to change en-route. This can be inconvenient and time consuming. A taxi, especially for shorter journeys is more ideal than other forms of public transport.

Friendly, personal service

Most taxi drivers like to have a chat with their passengers, especially if they are a lone traveller. This helps them to pass the time while working their shift, but it is also nice for the passenger to have a little company on their journey, even if it is just chit-chatting about the weather. If you have an important appointment, such as a planned surgery for a breast enlargement, you might be a little nervous and want a friendly voice to chat to you on the way to the hospital.

Breast enlargement surgery

If you are planning a breast enlargement surgery, then you may be appreciative of a friendly voice on the way to the hospital, but more importantly, on the way back home again. You may be feeling a little unwell after having anaesthetic, but knowing your taxi will take you right to your door, and even wait until you get safely inside, must offer a little peace of mind.

Travel in comfort

When you travel by taxi you are traveling in comfort. There is just you, or your family/friends in the taxi so it is a more intimate way to travel, as opposed to buses and trains, where you have to mix with strangers, and the rides are not necessarily comfortable.

If someone has a driving license, they might consider becoming a taxi driver. This line of work can end up being surprisingly lucrative depending on the location of the service. The main difference between taxi and limo businesses is that in the latter the worker will need to follow specific dress codes. Taxi drivers on the other hand have greater freedom when it comes to their attire.

Despite this the passengers will often judge the driver based on their appearance. Consequently it is important to choose an outfit that exudes professionalism and friendliness. This does not necessarily mean it has to be overly formal. There are plenty of white tops on the NA-KD website that would be perfect for a taxi driver. Whilst going through their catalogue there are several things to look out for.

Attire For The Right Climate

White tops are popular during the summer because they help to reduce heat absorption. If the heath risks of overheating are overlooked it can leave the driver in a debilitating condition.

One option is to utilise air conditioning whilst in the vehicle. Doing so will have the added benefit of increasing the comfort of passengers. However, it is also important to wear something that keeps the person feeling cool.

Clothes That Suit The Driver’s Budget

There is a fair amount of expenditure to consider when running a taxi long term. Due to rising fuel costs there are demands for higher fares so that drivers can continue to make a decent profit. The choice of clothing available to them will depend on how much is in their budget range. NA-KD sells white tops at very affordable prices.

Tops With Good Mobility

Whilst operating a vehicle the person needs to move around in order to drive safely. Traffic collisions are just one of several occupational hazards that taxi employees have to deal with. If they are wearing something with decent mobility they will have better control of the taxi. For this reason it is best to avoid tops that feel too tight around the arms and chest.

A High Level Of Comfort

Taxi drivers need to sit in their vehicle all day long. It can be a fairly monotonous line of work. If they choose a top that feels uncomfortable it will exacerbate the situation. Everyone has their textile preferences. There are many top material options on the NA-KD site.

Taxi driving shifts tend to be fairly long. There may not be enough time to stop for a beverage. This is why so many drivers bring their own drinks along with them. Cold soft drinks are fine but eventually the driver will want something hot. Tea and coffee are popular with these workers because they need plenty of energy. They could bring a thermos filled with a hot caffeinated drink with them. A mug could then be utilised. The best site to buy high quality mugs from is Royal Design. They offer a plethora of different options. Having one in the vehicle will yield several benefits.

Putting A Smile On The Driver’s Face

Driving a taxi for long periods of time can end up becoming boring. In order to stay positive and upbeat it is important to fill the vehicle with items that make the driver feel happy. There are several mugs from Royal Design that have fun cartoon artwork on them. Simply looking at them from time to time is sure to put a smile on the face of the driver.

Offering The Mug To Passengers

The success of an individual taxi will often depend on the reviews that they get. Modern day taxi services are usually open to online customer reviews which can make or break them. Therefore it is a good idea to offer additional perks to the people riding. Free beverages are a popular choice. If elegant mugs are used it will make the customer feel more important.

A Taste Of Home

Being on the road for too long will naturally make drivers feel homesick. This can be minimised by bringing along a household item. Mugs are a smart choice because they also serve a practical function.

Adding Style To The Taxi Interior

Since the industry is so competitive the taxi will need to stand apart from all of its rivals. Therefore the driver should decorate it with stylish items. Mugs from Royal Design are particularly useful in this regard.

With many taxi-hailing apps coming up such as Uber, Bolt, and London Lady Chauffers, among others, more people are getting interested in the taxi business. It can be very lucrative, especially if you find yourself in a high traffic area. Being a taxi business, it goes without saying that you will need to get the right car. Not all vehicles make good taxis. You must go for one that has suitable features.

Features of a Good Taxi Vehicle

• Boot Space: If you are operating a taxi, you will get a lot of people who need to move with their luggage. It is much easier when you have the boot space where they can put their items without struggling.
• Low fuel consumption: For a business, you need to break even. If you buy a vehicle with high fuel consumption rate, you will be running losses. Even though progress on electric cars has not been as fast as was anticipated, you can also consider it as an option if you get any that are within your budget.
• Lower steps: Think of your taxi as a vehicle that people across different age groups will use. If it is too high, it might be a challenge for elderly people, children and those with health conditions. Always remember that a taxi business is much more than providing transport. There are a lot of customer care considerations that you must put into place.
• Passenger space: Imagine the frustration of a passenger when they get into your taxi after a long, tedious flight only to realise that they cannot stretch their legs because the space is too small. If you want to have repeat customers, you must make their comfort a priority.

Have a basic idea of who your target market is likely to be. If you are targeting affluent neighbourhoods, you may need a luxury car. Explore options of getting a car loan for your business if you do not have enough money.

Being a taxi driver is classified among dangerous jobs. There are many risks that taxi drivers are exposed to. Since they stay on the road for many hours every day, they are more likely to be involved in a road accident. Carrying strangers on a daily basis also means that taxi drivers are vulnerable to attacks and robberies. Moreover, the high traffic that they get in their car can expose them to contagious diseases. They can also sometimes become victims of police investigations if they are traced to a customer who used their services.

Keeping Safe

Despite the vulnerabilities, taxi drivers can still keep safe by:

• Going cashless: Taxi drivers who use cash transactions are likely to be targets of a robbery. If they go cashless, they will not catch the attention of robbers.
• IInstall a screen/Barrier: It is always advisable for taxi drivers to lead customers to the back seat to prevent cases where customers attempt to control the car or injure the driver. Having the barrier can also help in preventing some contagious diseases.
• Get the vehicle checked: To avoid wear and tear that comes with using the vehicle too many times in a day, taxi drivers should always take them for maintenance. This helps in preventing accidents. Another tip is to rest when tired. Resist the temptation to work when sleepy or fatigued.
• Operate in familiar grounds: Taxi drivers should not venture too far from areas that they are familiar with. Otherwise, they could end up getting into an accident or exposing themselves to carjackings and robberies.
• Get convex mirrors: Wide angled mirrors will let taxi drivers know what passengers are doing on the back seat. Knowing that they are being watched may deter passengers from attacking the driver. They should also have a CCTV camera that captures the activities inside and around the taxi.

Finally, taxi drivers should also learn to trust their instincts and stop themselves from interacting with certain passengers if they get a gut feeling that they are in danger.

Taxi businesses are one of the most thriving service industries today. It is one of the main reasons why most entrepreneurs are starting them. This, however, does not mean that everything in the taxi industry is a piece of cake because there are a lot of challenges that you will encounter. Before you invest your money in a taxi business, here are a few things worth knowing.

You’ll Need to Do Some Paperwork

There is paperwork that you will be required to do before you begin operating your new taxi business, so brace yourself. It includes applying for business permits and licenses as well as insurance. There are various insurance policies for taxi businesses. When doing your paperwork, consult an experienced taxi operator to know everything that is required of you. If you need accessories for your taxi, get in touch with Work System to know your options.

You’ll Have to Understand the Taxi System

Just as with any other type of business, taxi operators have an efficient system that enables them to run all their operations smoothly. You’ll have to understand it before you get started. It involves the resources required to provide reliable transport services, the technology used, as well as the information needed to meet the demands of different clients.

Final Thoughts

Take the time to research all you need to run a taxi business and prepare yourself for massive success.