Surge in Eco Taxi Bookings
A recent report by mobility company Free Now shows a major increase in customers specifically requesting hybrid and electric taxis. When given the choice, more people are now opting for greener travel. Comparing the first quarter of 2021 to the same period in 2022, there was a 630% increase in ‘Eco’ booking requests via the Free Now fleet.
Eco Options in Major Cities
The Eco booking option is now available in major cities across Ireland. It allows customers to choose a hybrid or electric taxi through the app at no extra cost. Free Now’s ambitious plan aims for half of all car rides to be in fully electric taxis by 2025. The company also wants to be the first mobility platform in Europe to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
Drivers Switching to Electric
Many taxi drivers are switching from diesel to electric vehicles. This trend is driven by substantial cost savings and generous government incentives. Since the start of 2021, Free Now has added more than 600 EVs to its fleet. The company expects this number to reach 1,120 by the end of 2022.
Key Reasons for the Switch
A recent survey found that 41% of drivers made the switch to electric for environmental reasons. Another 37% cited cheaper running costs as their main motivation.
Growing Demand and Company Initiatives
Fiona Brady, Head of Public Affairs and Operations at Free Now, explained the impact of these changes. “Since launching our Eco booking option last year, we have seen a significant increase in demand for this service in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. This surge is driven by the increased availability of hybrid and EV vehicles on our app, as well as the growing demand for sustainable options from passengers.”
Supporting Drivers and Sustainability
Supporting Ireland’s move towards sustainable transport is a key goal for Free Now. The company considers the Eco booking’s success and the fleet’s electrification as important milestones in reaching sustainability targets. Free Now is also working closely with drivers to help them make the switch to electric. Last year, the company invested €6 million to help taxi drivers buy home chargers for their EVs. This year, it is hosting EV roadshows across the country to educate drivers about the benefits of switching to electric.
