In an era where environmental consciousness is not just a trend but a necessity, 13cabs, Australia's largest taxi network, is taking a bold step towards a more sustainable future.

With a special offer that's hard to pass up, 13cabs is not only incentivising the use of electric vehicles (EVs) but also highlighting a critical issue in the current infrastructure— the need for more EV charging stations.



The company's initiative is a breath of fresh air for commuters who are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint.

13cabs is offering passengers the chance to experience the future of transportation with free taxi rides in their electric fleet.


This generous offer is available in the bustling CBDs of Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne on Tuesday, November 26, from 8 am to 6 pm, with fares capped at a generous $60.

Olivia Barry, the Chief Operating Officer of 13cabs, has expressed the company's ambitious goal to transition to a fully electric and low-emission fleet within the next decade.

The current fleet boasts 37 fully battery-powered EVs, with over 60 per cent running on low-emission hybrid technology. However, the transition is not without its challenges.

'We are rapidly expanding our EV fleet with models like Tesla, BYD, and MG,' Barry said.

'But the transition is slowed without sufficient charging points, particularly in urban areas and near taxi ranks.'



‘We are lagging in infrastructure in terms of charging facilities, particularly in fast charging and non-residential charging,’’ 13cabs Head of Corporate Affairs David Samuel said.

‘A lot of our drivers live in units and apartment blocks, that makes it difficult to charge these vehicles so they rely on public charging to charge them.’

To combat this, 13cabs is not only advocating for more public charging stations but is also taking matters into its own hands by installing JOLT EV charging stations at all its depot locations nationwide and working with councils to place EV chargers at taxi ranks.

The initiative is timely, as energy giant AGL has also begun offering free charging for EV owners by rolling out pole-mounted EV chargers in Sydney's inner west.

Despite a study from the University of New South Wales predicting a decline in battery electric vehicle sales in 2024, Samuel remained optimistic about a rebound in the market.



The company is even looking ahead to the autonomous EV space, with Barry currently in China exploring autonomous electric taxis.

'We certainly see it as part of the future,' Samuel said.

'It would be a long transition period, obviously, and there would need to be all sorts of legislative changes to implement it, but it is certainly an exciting opportunity to reduce costs and provide a clean service and a service that customers want.'

‘The transportation sector has traditionally generated high carbon emissions to run cars, trucks, ships, trains and planes,’ Samuel added.

‘We want to continue to do our part to reduce the transport sector’s impact on the environment.’
Have you had the chance to ride in an electric taxi, or are you considering switching to an electric vehicle yourself? Share your experiences and insights with us in the comments below!