Leaf Taxi Gaining Popularity Among European Taxi Drivers

The NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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LeafNissan LEAFJapan, 2009 > present29 versions
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is becoming a popular choice among taxi services around Europe because of its low running costs and ability to run in city centers with no emissions. It is already being using in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the UK. However, the fleets are still tiny compared to diesel taxis.

"There is little doubt that the Nissan Leaf is an ideal vehicle for taxi operators. It's cheap to run and easy to maintain. It's good to drive and passengers like the space and comfort," Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Nissan's head of electric vehicles in Europe.

The major advantage for taxi operators is the lower fuel bills and maintenance costs. Operators report €5,900 in savings in fuel a year, more than half of a diesel taxi.

The key to pure EV is availability of charging stations. Amsterdam has a small network of quick chargers that allow the city's taxis to quick charge two or three times a day. Taxi-E is an Amsterdam-based company that has a fleet of 13 Leaf cars. 

There will have ten Leaf taxis in Zurich, Switzerland, operating before the end of the year that will use a new network of fast chargers. The city has set a goal of having 15% of the city's taxi fleet be electric by 2015.

In the UK, Phoenix Taxis plans to have 15 Leaf taxis operation by next summer.

Outside of Europe, the Leaf is used as taxis in New York, Rio de Janeiro and Japan.