New York's famous taxicabs are going electric

New York City has introduced its “Green Rides” plan, a commitment to fully electrify the entire fleet of rideshare vehicles, including taxis, limousines, and services like Uber and Lyft, by 2030. A recent study conducted by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) revealed that rideshare vehicles contribute approximately 4% of the city’s transportation-related CO2 emissions.

As part of the initiative, New York City and TLC are collaborating to implement specific targets. Starting from 2024, 5% of all taxi and rideshare trips must be made using zero-emission or wheelchair-accessible vehicles. This requirement will increase to 15% in 2025 and further rise to 25% in 2026. By 2030, it is expected that the entire rideshare sector will have successfully transitioned to green energy. Both Uber and Lyft have already expressed their commitment to transitioning to an all-electric fleet.

In addition to the transition of vehicles, New York City plans to enhance the necessary infrastructure to support electrification. The city aims to install 200 DC fast chargers and 1,000 Level 2 chargers for electric vehicles by the end of 2023. Additionally, legislation will be amended to ensure that garages and private parking lots have at least one charging system for electric vehicles.

New York State is among the nine states in the United States that have mandated that all new vehicles sold within their borders be CO2 emission-free by 2035, following the European Union’s plan. Moreover, New York is focusing on expanding its public transportation options, with increased investments in the development of subway, bus, and ferry services. The city has also announced funds for the construction of new bicycle lanes.

The “Green Rides” plan aligns with New York City’s broader commitment to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning the rideshare sector to electric vehicles and investing in infrastructure and public transport, the city aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation system. The initiative will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions, but also improve the quality of air and overall urban livability.