Following the recent announcement of a scrappage and support scheme to encourage taxi drivers to switch to electric vehicles, Renault is rolling out a special finance rate for the Zoe. The deal, which runs in conjunction with Renault Bank, offers the Renault Zoe Iconic Rapid Charge model at €45 per week.
This package includes the €20,000 SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicles) grant plus the €5,000 SEAI grant, the installation of a home charging unit and the brand's key insurance covering the replacement of a key when broke, lost or stolen. Other financial benefits to running an electric taxi over a petrol or diesel one are the expected reduction in maintenance and fuel costs. The latter claims to be 66 per cent less than the equivalent diesel car. Accelerated Capital Allowance in the year of purchase is helpful to some, and there is the more obvious wider benefit of reducing local emissions and noise pollution.
Despite being quite a small car by taxi standards, the Renault Zoe does qualify under the scheme, partly due to a limited offering of suitable electric vehicles. Renault claims that a high percentage of taxi journeys in Ireland are single occupancy ones, so space isn't as likely to be an issue for some passengers.
Faster charging with the Renault Zoe makes it more attractive
A further boon to taxi drivers considering the Renault Zoe is that it is one of the most versatile electric cars when it comes to charging. It can rapid charge at up to 50kW, adding up to 150 kilometres in around half an hour. Although there are fewer DC charging stations within most cities, the Zoe can capitalise on the more common 22kW AC public charging stations. Its onboard AC charger can draw down power at the peak amount, giving it the ability to add up to 83 kilometres of range in the same 30 minutes.
For those wondering, here's the complete list of electric vehicles that are currently eligible for the eSPSV 2021 Grant Scheme:
Kia Niro 64kWh
MG ZS
Nissan eNV200
Nissan eNV200 Brotherwood Accessible TAC
Nissan Leaf (24kwh and 30kWh)
Nissan Leaf (40kWh)
Nissan Leaf e+ (62kWh)
Renault Zoe 22kWh and 40kWh)
Renault Zoe ZE (52kWh)
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model X (7 seats)
Volkswagen e-Golf
Volkswagen ID.4