How do you think high economy cars, like the Prius, will work as taxi cabs?
January 5th, 2010 | by cars |
George McCasland, Papa Bear asked:
There’s a push in New York to replace many of the taxi cabs with high fuel economy vehicle. But, I have to wonder how these cars are going to handle regularly carrying the weight of five adults. That’s going to run 1000+ lbs of weight, along with the constant use of the AC system, which is required when Temperatures run over 85 degrees.
GUY
There’s a push in New York to replace many of the taxi cabs with high fuel economy vehicle. But, I have to wonder how these cars are going to handle regularly carrying the weight of five adults. That’s going to run 1000+ lbs of weight, along with the constant use of the AC system, which is required when Temperatures run over 85 degrees.
GUY
4 Responses to “How do you think high economy cars, like the Prius, will work as taxi cabs?”
By myself on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
JOHNNIE
they wouldnt last…..
By inagaddadavida_loca on Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
RANDALL
Generally, fleet sales by the automakers have a special NYC Taxi model that’s extra-extra heavy duty for the rough use that taxis in the city endure. There are import taxis in the city, such as some Honda Passports and some sedans. I don’t see how a hybrid wouldn’t be up to the task as long as it was prepared correctly. As most taxi driving is stop-and-go, the hybrid seems like the perfect candidate, but its durability remains to be seen. If the consumer versions are any indication, there shouldn’t be a problem.
By joeschmoe on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
RAYFORD
Vancouver has been using the Toyota Prius as taxi cabs for years. No major problems reported.
New York City has used Ford Escape Hybrids since 2004 as taxis. No major problems reported.
NOBODY in the world abuses their cars worse than New York City taxi cab drivers. That the Escape Hybrid held up as well as it did is a testament to how reliable they really are.
New York City is going to convert its entire taxi fleet to hybrids by 2012.
By Randy C on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply
TOMMY
The only limitation is the size you can’t stuff the entire sales staff in one. Since most trips are ferrying 1 or 2 people the 4 door Prius is fine. There is at least 1 company in Seattle that is using the Prius for taxis. In the stop and start driving a cab does a lot of the Prius economy will really shine.