ComfortDelGro Taxi is putting two fully-electric Hyundai Ioniq taxis on trial on Thursday (19 July).
In a press release, the company stated that this electric Ioniq taxi – the first of its kind here – charges fully in just under 30 minutes, unlike existing electric taxis in Singapore that take a couple of hours to charge.
It stated that the DC fast charging station, approved by the Energy Market Authority for operation, is available round-the-clock at Komoco Motors in Alexandra.
According to the company, a fully charged electric Ioniq taxi travels more than 200km, but the cost of charging it fully is only a-third of the cost of diesel for the same distance.
It noted that the electric Ioniq comes equipped with smart battery technology that enables the paddleshift regenerative braking system to charge the battery with electric energy during deceleration and braking. The battery also charges even as the taxi is going downslope.
It also has the lane keeping assist system as well as autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and blind spot detecting technologies – features similar to its hybrid counterpart.
Mr Ang Wei Neng, ComfortDelGro Taxi CEO, said, “We have been looking for a reliable,safe and faster charging electric vehicle for quite a while now. We wanted one that would offer our cabbies the shortest or fastest charging time because time is of essence to them.”
“With the DC fast charger, this electric Hyundai Ioniq can be charged from zero to full inunder 30 minutes while the cabby is taking a break. The new full electric Hyundai Ioniq is not only green, it is practical, friendly and provides substantial saving in fuel cost,” he added.
Cabby Lian Chin Hock, 64, who is switching from a Sonata to the new fully-electric Ioniq, said, “After driving diesel taxis for 19 years, I am gamed to go Green. Half an hour is not a long wait. I can clean up the interior of the taxi while it charges. The electricity cost is also just a fraction of what I have to pay for diesel. The Ioniq is also spacious and quiet – comfortable for passengers; and good for the environment too!”
The company noted that the flagdown fare of the electric Ioniq taxi is $3.90 and that all other surcharges apply.
