Why Having an Energy-Efficient Taxi Offers Bigger Benefits
Just last year, Nissan announced plans for a new green London Taxi with a rumoured traditional grille as well as round headlamps. But this taxi is supposed to have more than classic, aesthetic appeal – it is also supposed to have a specially adapted front suspension which is especially suited to congested, narrow streets.
Thanks to a plethora of green innovations, taxi cabs nowadays are much improved. From being energy efficient to more compact and better adapted to busy city streets, green taxis are the way to go. But for those who make it their business to own a taxi operation or to operate a taxi for themselves, there’s one additional important question: what are the reasons why they should choose an energy-efficient taxi?
Taxi insurance: more expensive than private vehicle insurance
There is one well-known fact amongst taxi drivers and owners: taxi insurance is more costly than standard private vehicle insurance. There are many reasons for this, one of which is the fact that to insurers, taxis have an increased statistical risk of accidents simply because taxis are driven more frequently and for longer distances. A taxi has more miles than your average family car, and the result of this is higher motor insurance costs.
Another reason for the higher price of taxi insurance is that an average-sized taxi will fit in more passengers than a conventional private car. Since taxis are bigger, they are charged higher insurance.
Getting an energy-efficient taxi – what are the benefits?
There is good news, however, since energy-efficient or ‘green’ taxis are becoming more common, drivers and owners can benefit from insurance discounts and better premiums. Insurers look favourably upon energy-efficient taxis for a number of reasons. A hybrid car, for instance, is better for the environment, and consumes much less fuel as well. If you have a hybrid taxi, you will produce less CO2 emissions, amounting to approximately 25 to 35% less than a normal car. You will be able to make use of a second engine, which is battery-powered and electric. This engine recharges with the help of the petrol engine. You will consume less petrol, which is also better for your profits as well.
If you will be driving around London and have a green badge, then you will also benefit from a hybrid taxi which is better adapted to driving in traffic and to town and city driving.
More fuel efficiency
Another aspect to a ‘green’ taxi is this: you will spend less on petrol. Since a hybrid taxi has a dual engine, you can maintain energy efficiency, as it can actually utilise the battery-powered engine when you are driving at lower speeds or when you are driving in the midst of heavy traffic. The petrol engine will only kick in when you increase your speed. The body of a hybrid car is also lighter and more compact, making it easier to maneouvre through tight roads.
Government benefits
Additionally, hybrid taxis can take advantage of government incentives. Since the government actively encourages individuals to buy hybrid cars, you can benefit from lower annual car tax bills and exemptions from low emission zones or congestion charges. For instance, if you have an energy-efficient London taxi, you can travel through the city’s congestion charge zone without paying any fees.
When all is said and done, having an energy-efficient taxi offers bigger, better benefits in the long term. You can have better, less costly taxi insurance, lower operational costs, and bigger profits all around.
