Small detail on taxi photo reveals shocking new reality on Australian roads
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As people cruise down the highways and byways of this vast and beautiful country, there's a new reality taking shape on Australian roads that's as subtle as it is significant.
It's a change that's quietly revolutionising the way people think about transportation, and it's happening right under our noses—or, more accurately, right under the bonnets of our cars.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a futuristic prediction; it's a present-day fact, and it's reshaping the landscape of Australian motoring in ways both big and small.
One such small but telling detail was recently spotted on a taxi in South Australia, and it's a sign of the times that's worth paying attention to.
An eagle-eyed motorist in Adelaide captured images of a taxi that wasn't just any old cab—it was a Build Your Dream (BYD) Seal, an electric vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer that's rapidly gaining traction in the EV market.
This sighting is more than just a novelty; it's a harbinger of the new normal on Aussie roads.
‘Never thought I’d see the day—a BYD Seal used as a taxi,’ a social media user said.
The Electric Vehicle Council's latest data has debunked the myth that EVs are the exclusive domain of wealthy inner-city dwellers.
In fact, the most significant growth in EV orders last year came from the outer suburbs, indicating a broadening appeal and accessibility of these clean, green machines.
Tesla, the brand synonymous with electric cars, has been joined by BYD in capturing the Australian market's imagination.
BYD even managed to overtake Tesla in January as the nation's best-selling electric vehicle for that month, signalling a shift in consumer preferences and the competitive landscape.
BYD is making significant leaps in the Australian market. With three models currently available and at least two more on the horizon for 2025, BYD is poised to become a top 10 car brand in Australia.
This growth is indicative of the broader trend of increasing EV sales, particularly among ride-share vehicles.
The adoption of EVs by taxi services is a logical step forward.
As Motoring Expert Trevor Long pointed out, ‘many or most taxis are already hybrids’, so the transition to full EVs is a natural progression.
‘To go full EV is a great move for emissions,’ Mr Long said.
This move is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the drivers' wallets, as EVs typically have lower running costs.
But it's not all smooth driving ahead. The lack of accessible charging stations remains a major roadblock.
While EV owners and enthusiasts are often at odds with regular motorists over the availability of charging spots, the issue is more than just a source of contention—it's a critical infrastructure gap that needs addressing.
Mr Long shared: ‘I own two EVs and it's mainly because they are great to drive and are lower in cost to run, but over time the prices will come down more, there will be more cars and more people will choose EV—though it won't be as fast as many EV lovers might hope.’
‘Charging is a huge, huge problem for Australia. It needs more than government grants, it needs a company, or person willing to invest huge money into a network to rival our traditional “servos” but one that will take 20 years to pay a dividend.’
‘That's too long for current-day business, sadly, it will be a missed opportunity,’ he added.
The federal government has recognised this need and is taking steps to double the number of electric vehicle charging stations over the next year.
With nearly 100 new fast-charging sites added since the start of 2024, Australia is approaching a total of 900 DC fast-charging sites, a 90 per cent increase from two years prior.
This expansion is part of the government's broader strategy to encourage cleaner car imports through updated fuel efficiency standards.
With around 3,000 regular EV charging stations and 7,000 plugs and sockets nationwide, the groundwork is being laid for a more sustainable automotive future.
As we witness these changes, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of Australian roads. Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a curious onlooker, or a steadfast petrolhead, the shift to electric is a topic that affects us all.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the rise of electric vehicles and how it's impacting your driving experience. Have you spotted any EV taxis in your area? Are you considering making the switch to electric? Share your stories and join the conversation in the comments below!
It's a change that's quietly revolutionising the way people think about transportation, and it's happening right under our noses—or, more accurately, right under the bonnets of our cars.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a futuristic prediction; it's a present-day fact, and it's reshaping the landscape of Australian motoring in ways both big and small.
One such small but telling detail was recently spotted on a taxi in South Australia, and it's a sign of the times that's worth paying attention to.
Residents in South Australia noticed an electric vehicle taxi. Image source: Facebook
An eagle-eyed motorist in Adelaide captured images of a taxi that wasn't just any old cab—it was a Build Your Dream (BYD) Seal, an electric vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer that's rapidly gaining traction in the EV market.
This sighting is more than just a novelty; it's a harbinger of the new normal on Aussie roads.
‘Never thought I’d see the day—a BYD Seal used as a taxi,’ a social media user said.
The Electric Vehicle Council's latest data has debunked the myth that EVs are the exclusive domain of wealthy inner-city dwellers.
In fact, the most significant growth in EV orders last year came from the outer suburbs, indicating a broadening appeal and accessibility of these clean, green machines.
Tesla, the brand synonymous with electric cars, has been joined by BYD in capturing the Australian market's imagination.
BYD even managed to overtake Tesla in January as the nation's best-selling electric vehicle for that month, signalling a shift in consumer preferences and the competitive landscape.
BYD is making significant leaps in the Australian market. With three models currently available and at least two more on the horizon for 2025, BYD is poised to become a top 10 car brand in Australia.
This growth is indicative of the broader trend of increasing EV sales, particularly among ride-share vehicles.
In January, BYD managed to surpass Tesla in sales. Image source: BYD
The adoption of EVs by taxi services is a logical step forward.
As Motoring Expert Trevor Long pointed out, ‘many or most taxis are already hybrids’, so the transition to full EVs is a natural progression.
‘To go full EV is a great move for emissions,’ Mr Long said.
This move is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the drivers' wallets, as EVs typically have lower running costs.
But it's not all smooth driving ahead. The lack of accessible charging stations remains a major roadblock.
While EV owners and enthusiasts are often at odds with regular motorists over the availability of charging spots, the issue is more than just a source of contention—it's a critical infrastructure gap that needs addressing.
Mr Long shared: ‘I own two EVs and it's mainly because they are great to drive and are lower in cost to run, but over time the prices will come down more, there will be more cars and more people will choose EV—though it won't be as fast as many EV lovers might hope.’
‘Charging is a huge, huge problem for Australia. It needs more than government grants, it needs a company, or person willing to invest huge money into a network to rival our traditional “servos” but one that will take 20 years to pay a dividend.’
‘That's too long for current-day business, sadly, it will be a missed opportunity,’ he added.
The federal government has recognised this need and is taking steps to double the number of electric vehicle charging stations over the next year.
With nearly 100 new fast-charging sites added since the start of 2024, Australia is approaching a total of 900 DC fast-charging sites, a 90 per cent increase from two years prior.
This expansion is part of the government's broader strategy to encourage cleaner car imports through updated fuel efficiency standards.
With around 3,000 regular EV charging stations and 7,000 plugs and sockets nationwide, the groundwork is being laid for a more sustainable automotive future.
As we witness these changes, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape of Australian roads. Whether you're an EV enthusiast, a curious onlooker, or a steadfast petrolhead, the shift to electric is a topic that affects us all.
