The number of Dutch people who opt for an electric taxi is alarmingly low. Research by booking platform Sneleentaxi.nl shows that less than 1 percent of people are actually willing to pay extra for an electric taxi. Even at equal rates, a large majority opt for standard transport.

reduce CO2 emissions 

Sven Braam, general manager of fast taxi, expected to be the next step in the company's sustainability struggle by adding an electric taxi. For the time being, however, this is disappointing. "We already save a lot of CO2 emissions by efficiently combining supply and demand, but the role of the electric taxi is still minimal," says Braam.

Normally there is an additional cost of 30 percent for an electric taxi. To investigate to what extent the limited popularity is due to this price difference, Fasteentaxi has equated the price with standard transport. Only 18 percent of bookers still opt for an electric taxi. Braam: “Apparently there are other barriers. Responses show that people are afraid, for example, of giving up comfort. This while electric cars are often very comfortable. ”

electric car

While the number of electric cars in the Netherlands doubled last year, taxi companies often still opt for a petrol or diesel car. According to Braam, the limited range and long charging time of electric cars play an important role in this. 

“Drivers have a full agenda. They can hardly afford to spend fifteen minutes charging the car. Especially not with passengers in the car. ”

Xavier Wijngaarden is one of the transporters of express taxi with an electric taxi (hybrid). He also notices that few people choose this way of traveling. 

“The demand for an electric taxi is really disappointing. As long as that demand is not there, carriers will not quickly invest in a sustainable taxi, ”says Wijngaarden.

Remkes Committee

CO2 and nitrogen are currently under a magnifying glass in the Netherlands. Last week, a report by the Remkes Commission was published on reducing nitrogen emissions. This also included emissions from transport movements to and from airports. Express taxi likes to talk to Remkes, says Braam. 

“At the moment we are still investing money when electric bookings are made. Investments are needed to actually take the next step. ”

Also read: Car companies are looking for an alternative revenue model because of electric cars