Electrification of these vehicles is progressing more slowly than in the rest of the fleet precisely because of the lack of available models. According to Míchel Izaguerri, president of the Zaragoza Provincial Taxi Association, the remaining adapted vehicles currently continue to run mainly on diesel. However, the market is beginning to offer alternatives, and some adapted plug-in hybrid vans are expected to be certified in December, while fully electric models are also starting to appear.
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 200 ELECTRIC TAXIS IN THE CITY
The change is part of a much broader goal: progressively electrifying the 1,777 taxis that make up Zaragoza’s fleet. There are already around 200 electric vehicles, while approximately 90% of the remainder are hybrids. Both Zaragoza City Council and the taxi sector share the intention of achieving a fully electric fleet, although they acknowledge that it will be a long-term process.
The difficulties involved in renewing adapted vehicles are compounded by the overall increase in operating costs. Izaguerri points out that the rise in fuel prices is particularly affecting adapted taxis that still run on diesel, but also warns that electricity has not been spared price increases either and that the cost per kilowatt at charging stations has risen.
Meanwhile, the sector is continuing negotiations to review taxi fares. The decision is pending a study commissioned from the University of Zaragoza, whose findings will help move those negotiations forward. In the meantime, taxi drivers are calling for support to help them manage a transition that, in the case of adapted vehicles, can exceed €50,000 per unit.
