Page 39 - drive a2b FEB 2020 web

Electric taxis

to go wireless

thanks to new

charging tech
trial from Mirage News

The UK could soon see a revolution city areas is crucial in bringing down Minister for the Future of Transport
in electric vehicle charging after the transport emissions and cleaning up George Freeman said, "Funding
Transport Secretary announced last the air. However, the time taken to innovative transport technologies like
month that £3.4 (AU$6.7) million will be charge could reduce a taxi driver’s wireless charging is a crucial part of our
invested in trials for wireless charging earning potential. Future of Mobility strategy to support
of electric taxis in Nottingham. UK leadership in decarbonisation".
Installing wireless chargers at taxi ranks
Wireless charging at taxi ranks could offers drivers the chance to recharge We are determined to harness UK
provide an alternative to plugs and while waiting for their next passengers, science and engineering to bring down
chargepoints, meaning multiple taxis so they can help the environment transport emissions and help make
can recharge at once, supporting and start their journeys quicker. The journeys greener.
drivers to charge up more easily. technology, allowing for shorter and
It would also reduce clutter on the more frequent bursts of charging, will Ten Nissan and LEVC electric taxis in
streets. also benefit cars with smaller batteries, Nottingham will be fitted with wireless
ending ‘range anxiety’ for drivers. charging hardware for 6 months to trial
As more and more people make taxi rank-based charging. Nottingham
the switch to electric cars this new Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, City Council will own the vehicles and
technology could also be rolled out "Taxi drivers up and down the country provide them to drivers rent free. If
more broadly for public use, helping are at the vanguard of the electric vehicle successful, this technology could also
everyday drivers of electric vehicles revolution, playing a leading role in be rolled out more broadly for public
charge more easily on the go. reducing air pollution in our city centres use.
where people live, shop and work."
Electrifying taxi fleets in congested

Boston, USA and advanced service, safety and more than $700,000 five years ago. He
operational capabilities and support
said it is now worth less than $50,000
workforce development. because of companies such as Uber
By Peter Eliopoulos | WCVB and Lyft.
There are more than $7 million in
that fund and the former leader of the "They sued me for my house. I lost
Boston Taxi Drivers Association, Donna part of my house," Janvier said. "I
Taxi drivers in Boston are wondering Blythe-Shaw, is wondering why it hasn't paid the lawsuit and then I (went into)
why they haven't received any money been paid out. bankruptcy.
from a fund started for them after ride-
share services cut into their industry. "I don't know where that money went," "I lost all of my revenue. It's tough."
Blythe-Shaw said. "I don't think there
A law was passed to give 5 cents was enough consideration given to The state agency that oversees the fund
of every ride-share fare in the state those who would lose their livelihoods." said it is in the final stages of trying to
to taxicab drivers to encourage figure out how best to allocate that
the adoption of new technologies Jean Janvier has worked as a cab driver money.
for 29 years and bought a medallion for
DRIVE A2B magazine · February 2020 39