Different Types of Electric Vehicles - Which Makes the Best Taxi?
Contemplating an electric taxi for your next upgrade? Learn about the different types of EVs and which makes the best taxi choice.
On your drives, you may have noticed more and more electric taxis out and about. With their rising popularity, you might be wondering whether to join the club.
Since there are different types of electric vehicles (EVs), how do you know which one to choose? Let’s take a look at the main types of EVs, and how they each could make a great taxi for you.
Battery electric vehicle (BEVs)
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are 100% electric, relying on a battery pack and one or more electric motors for power. The battery generates electricity which is sent to the motors to help turn the wheels.
These EVs will require regular recharging as the battery depletes, so you’ll need to factor this into your routine. You’ll also need to have off-street parking to be able to charge your vehicle at home.
On the plus side, BEVs happen to offer a practical all-electric range that’s ideal for door-to-door drop-offs and even city commutes. Our top picks are:
1. MG 4 – up to 323 miles (WLTP) range
2. MG 5 – up to 250 miles (WLTP) range
3. Nissan Ariya – up to 329 miles (WLTP) range
4. Toyota bZ4X – up to 318 miles (WLTP) range
Strengths:
- Zero emissions
- Free entry into Low Emission Zones (LEZs)
- Lower running costs
- Smoother driving experience.
Weaknesses:
- Requires frequent charging.
- Only available with automatic transmission.
- Home charging takes longer.
BEVs are perfect for taxi drivers looking to cut their emissions and enjoy lower running costs.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
Although also a type of hybrid vehicle, PHEVs are generally a type of electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrids contain a small petrol or diesel engine alongside a battery and electric motor. Both are used to generate power to drive the vehicle. PHEVs often offer different driving modes allowing you to switch between power sources for efficiency.
PHEVs are great for taxis as they deliver a more flexible driving experience. For instance, when driving to the city you could preserve your battery charge for when you arrive and benefit from LEZ exemptions. Alternatively, driving in electric mode for shorter commutes can help you save on fuel.
If a PHEV sounds like your perfect taxi, you might be interested in the:
1. Toyota RAV4 - up to 46 miles (WLTP) pure-electric range.
2. Ford Tourneo Custom – up to 33 miles (WLTP) pure-electric range.
3. Toyota C-HR– up to 41 miles (WLTP) pure-electric range.
Strengths:
- Flexible driving experience.
- Improved fuel economy.
- Fast charging options.
Weaknesses:
- Limited electric-only range.
- Frequent charging required.
- Both charging and fuel costs to cover.
If you’re looking for a more flexible taxi for various types of journeys, a plug-in hybrid taxi could be ideal for you.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
While often treated as a separate category, hybrid vehicles are – like PHEVs – a type of electric vehicle.
There are different types as mentioned above, ranging from mild and full hybrids to plug-in hybrids. Self-charging hybrids are ideal as they use both traditional and electric power without needing to be plugged in to recharge.
Electric power is used automatically when driving at lower speeds, with an electric battery and electric motor. At higher speeds, the combustion engine kicks in which is more efficient for longer journeys. They are known to offer improved fuel economy.
As for charging, this happens on the go via regenerative braking. The system cleverly captures energy lost when slowing down and sends this to the battery to recharge it.
Some of our favourite hybrids at The Taxi Centre are the:
1. Toyota Corolla – between 59-63mpg
2. Renault Arkana - between 58-60mpg
If you don’t want to have to recharge your taxi, then self-charging hybrids are a very convenient option.
Strengths:
- No charging required.
- Greater fuel economy.
- Manual or automatic options.
Weaknesses:
- Less efficient than fully electric cars.
- No exemptions from LEZs.
- Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs)
Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs)
Similar to plug-in hybrids, REEVs contain both a small petrol engine and a battery and electric motor. The difference is that the petrol engine acts purely as a generator to charge the battery, and never drives the wheels. This means they are always electrically driven, and therefore a type of EV.
There aren’t many REEVs currently available, though we can recommend the:
1. LEVC TX – up to 333 miles (WLTP) combined range
2. Nissan Qashqai e-POWER – up to 656 miles (WLTP) combined range
Range-extended electric vehicles are another flexible option if you’re looking to lower your emissions. For those with concerns about the range of fully electric vehicles, they offer peace of mind with the reassurance of a petrol engine.
Strengths:
- Flexible combined range.
- Different driving modes with some REEVs.
- Lower emissions.
Weaknesses:
- Fewer models to choose from.
- Lower range than BEVs.
- Charging required with some.
Although not widely available, REEVs could help pave the way for a more flexible electric driving experience. While offering most of the EV benefits.
Your next taxi from The Taxi Centre
The question of which electric taxi is right for you will largely come down to your own preferences. At The Taxi Centre, we offer a wide range of both electric and hybrid taxis for you to explore.
With many, you could benefit from government grants to help cover the costs of leasing and installing a charging point if needed. There are also our taxi finance options to help you break down the costs and pay in fixed monthly instalments.
Read more on electric and hybrid taxis on our Electric vs Hybrid page to help you decide which is right for you. Browse our latest offers below, or get in touch if you have any questions.