Interesting NY Times article on hybrid taxis in New York City. Not too many Prius taxis here yet --- just 18. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27TAXI.html
It would have plenty of room for batteries. I grew up in Kalamazoo, so Checker Marathons have a special place in my heart. Tom
Maybe import some traditional London cabs with their 4 cylinder diesel engine and room for 4 in the back, 5 at a pinch and your bags go in with you.
Best Body Type for Taxis As Pat said, I think something like a London cab body (small, upright, boxy, wagon/van with space behind rear seats) would probably be the best body type for urban taxis. This body type, coupled with good gas milege and low emissions, would seem ideal. Right now, I don't think there's anything available in the US that meets those criteria. Maybe a Prius wagon or a hybrid Scion xB or a VW Rabbit TDI diesel would be close enough.
A rare, clear, close-up shot of one of the elusive 18 Prius taxis in New York City (it's like being thisclose to Bigfoot): And an out of focus shot of a New York City Highlander Hybrid taxi:
I saw a Prius taxi on the Cross County Parkway about 1 week ago. It was probably heading into NYC. Very Cute! Didn't realize it was 1 of 18!
Seattle has so many Prius taxis it's not even funny. I saw one on the highway with so much luggage that the hatch had to be held down by a bungee cord. A Prius wagon would have solved that problem.
Not only that, the Highlander Hybrid Taxi is just RIGHT BEHIND this Prius Taxi too.....what's the odd of that? (Not only this close to bigfoot, you also see its siblings together! )
Yup, that's HH in the background. Just look at the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HybridSD) emblem under the side view mirror.
I haven't read the exact law, but according to the NY Times article I linked in my opening post, the law is that by 2012 NYC taxis must average at least 30 mpg in the city. Right now, that pretty much leaves you with hybrids, like the Prius and others, that can get 30 mpg in the city.
Yeah. I've seen a lot in Seattle. It seems that the WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) uses white ones and combined with the individual owners, it seems that they are everywhere.
