Skip to main content

Beijing to replace all taxis with new energy vehicles

Beijing is aiming to gradually replace its petrol-powered taxis with greener new energy vehicles to help reduce air pollution starting from this year. The city currently has about 71,000 taxis in total, out of which 67,000 are conventionally powered. It has mandated that all petrol-and diesel-powered taxis being taken out of service must be replaced by electric or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) powered cars. Any new taxis should be electric or other types of new energy cars. The project is expected to cos
March 3, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Beijing is aiming to gradually replace its petrol-powered taxis with greener new energy vehicles to help reduce air pollution starting from this year.

The city currently has about 71,000 taxis in total, out of which 67,000 are conventionally powered. It has mandated that all petrol-and diesel-powered taxis being taken out of service must be replaced by electric or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) powered cars. Any new taxis should be electric or other types of new energy cars.

The project is expected to cost taxi operators US$1.3 billion before it is complete. Basic models of fossil-fueled cars in use today cost about US$8,000 to US$10,000. Equivalent electric cars cost twice as much. Taxi drivers are also concerned about the time needed to charge an electric vehicle, coupled with the limited range, which could impact on competition.

In 2015, the London Mayor and 1466 Transport for London committed to introducing the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the capital in 2020. From 1 January 2018, all taxis licensed for the first time must be zero emission capable, while new diesel taxis will not be allowed in London.

The Chinese government’s Five Year Plan 2016-2020 includes expenditure of US$2 trillion on transportation infrastructure, including railways, roads and water transportation. The country also targets the use of 200,000 new energy buses by 2020, up from more than 160,000 at the end of 2016.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Measuring alertness to avert drowsy driver incidents
    December 21, 2015
    Falling asleep at the wheel is the primary cause in thousands of deaths on American and other roads, with truck drivers the most at-risk group. David Crawford investigates measures to counter drowsy driving.
  • European Commission proposal to increase research and investment in Europe’s transportation sector
    September 24, 2012
    The EU is launching a new plan, Research and Innovation for Europe’s Future Mobility, that aims to develop a long-term policy strategy that among other goals, is to reduce road casualties to almost zero and greenhouse gas emission from the transport sector by 60 per cent in 2050. The plan doesn’t propose any new EU funding or regulations but instead proposes an initiative to meet with Member States and other relevant stakeholder to discuss policy priorities and objectives. Speaking about the plan, Vice Pres
  • Re-set the clock
    February 27, 2012
    The route of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the world's longest-running motoring event, passes right by the end of the street where I live.
  • Come fly with me in Coventry
    April 25, 2022
    Urban-Air Port opens eVTOL demo in UK city for a month before taking concept on the road