New Zealand taxi company Corporate Cabs aims to be the first of its kind to introduce electrified cabs for its clients.
While the “white cab” side of the franchise business is moving to Skoda Superb plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), Corporate Cabs is also launching its “Switch” EV cabs business using the MG ZS EV to cater for environmentally aware professionals and executives.
A “handful” of the Skoda PHEVs are currently available, but Corporate Cabs will soon have about half its 300-cab fleet with them while the rest comprise Holdens which will also eventually be changed to electrified vehicles.
Market research identified “Switch” as an ideal and recognisable name for the new aspect to the business.
Corporate Cabs chief executive Cameron Allison says Switch is designed to cater for the environmentally aware customer, usually the young, well-informed executive or professional.
Switch will launch in Auckland when COVID-19 alert levels allow, possibly in September, before being rolled out to other regions like Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin by the end of this year.
That will mean about 60 EVs will be available, mainly through owner-drivers who will charge their vehicles at home but also have access to other EV chargers for longer trips.
“We’re in discussions with EV charging providers about using EV chargers around the country,” Allison explains. The company is also working with Auckland Airport to have a dedicated EV charger available there as the airport is a major destination for Corporate Cabs’ clients.
Corporate Cabs has tested the MG ZS EV and says its 270km real world range means it won’t need a top up charge too often, mainly for longer trips.
“We’re trying to make a change to the taxi industry,” Allison adds. “People are open with their comments about the industry with some saying it’s slow to react to change, but this will send a clear message that we are prepared to give it a go.”
Using EVs is also expected to make it more economical for Corporate Cabs’ owner-drivers, slashing fuel costs and even reducing maintenance and service expenses.
Corporate Cabs has about 300 cabs on call nationally, many moving to EVs.
Shipping constraints and the COVID-19 situation have contributed to delays in getting the EVs here, but Allison expects all that could be sorted soon.
He says the company has been working on the EV aspect for some time and is ready to move once pandemic restrictions allow.
“As a business we’re well known as a reputable brand,” he says.
“While we want to be the first taxi company here to operate mainly EVs, it’s only a matter of time before all taxis are EVs.”
