Berlin's cabs to be greener in the future

Over the next five years, a total of 4,000 vehicles in the beige fleet are to be converted to zero-emission drive systems. There are already 60 electric vehicles on the road. With exchangeable accumulator systems cab are to be able to fulfill everywhere in the city cleaner their public transportation order further, so the cab guild with the annual press conference. In order to be able to accomplish this drive turnaround (at all), however, the support of the state of Berlin becomes indispensable. In particular the country is to help with the structure of the necessary infrastructure, explained Leszek Nadolski, chairman of the guild. The existing e-charging stations are insufficient, he said, and express battery swap stations are to be built strategically in the city.  In addition to the sample facility at Westhafen and the planned location at BER Airport, the guild proposes initial exchange stations in the old town of Spandau, at Messe Berlin, Innsbrucker Platz and Hermannplatz. As already demonstrated in an initial demonstration at Westhafen, battery changing stations are intended to enable rapid battery replacement while continuing to ensure cab mobility for Berliners. Likewise, the conversion to electric drive is intended to secure the future of the currently precarious cab industry. Concerns among drivers and on the board had been caused by skyrocketing fuel prices and fierce competition from fare-exempt rental car companies. In addition, the cab guild's project is expected to make a positive contribution to Berlin's air quality and green transportation. Indeed, e-taxis can qualitatively complement the public transport network and reach any destination in the city, including all environmental zones reserved for the least polluting vehicles.