How to win taxi drivers for electromobility: Potentials and barriers in Berlin

Abstract

Berlin has to be electric - and not just with regard to its techno scene. In May 2024, around 5600 taxis were registered in Germany’s capital but only a marginal amount of these vehicles was electrified. In order to reduce emissions in the transport sector, electrification is key. However, taxi owners and drivers are still sceptical when it comes to electric vehicles. Qualitative interviews with three early adopters gave insight into actual use and suitability of electric vehicles for the taxi sector. Operational characteristics as well as requirements of taxi drivers for a transition to electromobility were examined using a survey study with 75 taxi owners and drivers. The mixed-method approach further included a total-cost-of-ownership-analysis (TCO). Early adopters were enthusiastic about their e-taxis, mentioning driving comfort as well as financial advantages. At the same time, the lacking availability of charging infrastructure was criticised and perceived as a main barrier by the early adopters. Descriptive results from the survey study show that almost all taxi operations could be conducted with electric vehicles. Still, minimal acceptance for e-taxis is discernible from the survey study even though TCO results show cost benefits of e-taxis in all scenarios. It is recommended to give taxi drivers preferred or exclusive charging opportunities at train stations, airports, or hospitals. Furthermore, it is important that taxi drivers gain experience with electromobility themselves or learn from early adopters’ experiences as uncertainty and hesitations regarding electromobility still dominated the perceptions of non-adopters.