Padraig Daly, Dublin's only e-Taxi driver, has managed to save approximately €6,500 in fuel costs over the 18-month trial of the 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF e-Taxi.
During this time, Daly has driven the e-Taxi over 55,000km on Dublin's streets, utilising the city's 120 public charge-points and a dedicated home charge-point to keep the LEAF's batteries topped up. Daly says that to keep running costs to a minimum, he took advantage of the low night-rate electricity to put most of the charge into the LEAF.
As well as saving on fuel, the e-Taxi is said to have reduced over four tonnes of CO2 emissions during its time on the road. It also qualifies for the lowest road tax band, while servicing costs are also understood to have been minimal.
Due to the success of the trial, ESB ecars and National Radio Cabs (NRC) have decided to extend the e-Taxi project for another 12 months, in the hope that more taxi drivers turn to electric power in the future.
Daly, who works for NRC Taxis says, "The e-Taxi has proved popular with passengers. Most are surprised at how well it performs in comparison to petrol or diesel cars, and how quiet it is."
"NRC Taxis are honoured to be associated with the ESB and the e-Taxi," comments Liam Brady, Managing Director of NRC Taxis. "It has been enlightening for us to engage with such an initiative; which not only is good for the environment but also as a cost saving measure in running a taxi."
An overview of the e-Taxi's performance was showcased today (Thursday 31st January) at the National Electric Vehicle Summit 2, which was held at Croke Park, Dublin.