Tokyo Electric Taxi Project Summary
On April 26, 2010, Better Place demonstrated the world’s first switchable-battery electric taxi in partnership with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi operator. This project marked the first time that switchable-battery electric vehicles have been used commercially.
“Tokyo has more taxis than London, Paris, and New York combined, with approximately 60,000 vehicles, representing a high mileage, high visibility segment that can serve as the catalyst for this technology to transfer to the mass market,” said Kiyotaka Fujii, President of Better Place Japan. “Since our initial announcement of this project, we’ve heard from cities around the world interested in converting their taxi fleets as a concrete way to fight CO2 emissions and urban pollution. Electric taxis are a pragmatic step forward for governments as well as a lucrative segment in the electrification of transport.”
Originally scheduled for 90 days, the project was extended until December 21, 2010 to allow for more passengers to experience EVs and more visitors to learn about battery switch and electric transportation.
Media coverage of the Tokyo Taxi project:
WIRED Magazine
New York Times
Reuters
Additional videos & information: