Athens is revving up its green transformation! The city aims to dramatically increase the number of electric taxis on the road, targeting a tenfold jump by 2026. Currently, only a mere 100 of Athens' 13,661 taxis are electric.
This ambitious plan, officially launched on Wednesday, aims to see at least 1,000 electric taxis zipping around Athens within the next 18 months. To achieve this, the government and private sector are joining forces to offer attractive incentives for taxi drivers to switch to electric vehicles.
Green Taxi Scheme Drives Change:
The existing Green Taxi scheme, launched last year and running until 2025, offers taxi drivers significant subsidies. These subsidies can cover up to 40% of the cost of a new electric taxi, reaching a maximum of €22,500 (US$24,189).
"The Recovery and Resilience Fund finances this program," explained Christos Staikouras, Infrastructure and Transport Minister. "The budget allows for replacing up to 1,770 old, polluting taxis with electric ones. However, drivers must scrap their old vehicles to qualify for the subsidy."
Despite the program's allure, only 100 applications have been submitted so far.
Zap Taxi Club Electrifies the Deal:
To accelerate the transition, a new initiative called Zap Taxi Club has been established. This private-public partnership, led by National Bank's leasing branch, provides taxi drivers with additional funding through leasing options.
The combined monthly fee and government subsidy allow drivers to eventually own a new electric vehicle within a few months. The program offers a variety of electric car options from seven manufacturers, including China's BYD.
Electrification Goes Beyond Taxis:
The government's commitment to electric mobility extends beyond taxis. A separate program allocates €28 million (US$30 million) to subsidize the purchase of electric cars by individuals, not just professionals.
Athens is taking a significant leap towards a cleaner, greener future. By providing substantial incentives and fostering public-private collaboration, the city aims to establish electric taxis as the dominant mode of transport within the next few years.
