Australia’s largest taxi network gives Aussies special offer in light of its latest feature

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.


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13cabs is offering free taxi rides to experience its electric vehicles. Credit: @13cabs / Instagram


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.’
Key Takeaways

  • 13cabs is promoting sustainable transport by offering free rides in their electric fleet to encourage the expansion of EV charging stations.
  • They aim to transition to a fully electric and low-emission fleet within a decade but are facing challenges due to insufficient charging infrastructure.
  • The taxi company is actively participating in the establishment of JOLT EV charging stations at its depots and is collaborating with councils for chargers at taxi ranks.
  • 13cabs is exploring the future of autonomous EV taxis to further their commitment to reducing transportation sector emissions and offering clean, desirable services.
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!
 
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Is Australia ready to go full electric? We are considering our next vehicle purchase and as retirees will probably clock up a lot of miles. The infrastructure just doesn't seem to be in place for our travel plans. Also being older, the prospect of being stranded is rather more daunting. I think a hybrid that doesn't need 'plug-in charging', would be our go to.
 
Sorry no way would I get in one, with the huge lithium battery your bum sits on. Also having watched a YouTube video of unbelievable fires because of these EVs, wasn’t just in one country but many. So nope for me.
 
This is to promote more charging stations so my question would be if it is a $60.00 then free ride would you have enough charge to get to your destination and would there be a charging station on the way?
 
I would not use 13 CABS EVEN with their so called “ Free Ride “ I have been let down
3 times by them even though a booking was made the day before..
ONE OF WHICH was an appointment to see my SPECIALIST needless to say I lost my appointment slot and had to Re-BOOK for another appointment..which was 2 weeks LATER..
 
this is what they are suited for,excellent, because of the long time spent in motion and getting revenue this is economical and good business for the taxi and if the fares are reduced good for the public...these vehicles dont have a long life and as such need to offset the cost over a relative shorter life span and they certainly do the klm;s to achieve this, whereas the normal motorist will lose money if they dont do the klm s, what they save on fuel they will lose on resale/ battery replacement
 
Is Australia ready to go full electric? We are considering our next vehicle purchase and as retirees will probably clock up a lot of miles. The infrastructure just doesn't seem to be in place for our travel plans. Also being older, the prospect of being stranded is rather more daunting. I think a hybrid that doesn't need 'plug-in charging', would be our go to.
I watched a video on YouTube and was shocked to see the damage of fires caused by EVs. It was mind blowing and scary. Also why would you want to sit on a huge battery that can explode. But all the best in your search.
 

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