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Nissan Leaf as a taxi

  • 19-11-2011 12:56am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭


    I was going through the City center the other day when I spotted a Leaf running as a Taxi, plates and stickers all over it.
    Seeing as a Taxi is on the road the whole time, I'm wondering how well it fairs on a Saturday night. Anyone been in it?


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,051 ✭✭✭✭HeidiHeidi


    I just passed that tonight in Donnybrook - couldn't figure out in the dark and the rain what the hell it was!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,522 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Esb supplied them and installed charging points at the drivers houses, It wasn't based on anything other than marketing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,096 ✭✭✭johnos1984


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Esb supplied them and installed charging points at the drivers houses, It wasn't based on anything other than marketing
    Thank god it wasn't based on profits.

    Anyone got a picture?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,522 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Also, im sure the leaf doesn't meet taxi regs


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,522 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Pic here


    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0609/1224298641822.html

    That's an electric pug in the picture, but you get the idea


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,912 ✭✭✭I Was VB


    Makes a change from a wanked out Carina E........





    .......:pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,261 ✭✭✭mgbgt1978


    The Prius doesn't meet the regs either (boot space and rear shoulder room) but they allow it because it's seen as "green".


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,023 ✭✭✭beardo81


    If they can get a days work out of a charge cost €3, that's a massive fuel saving for drivers. Well worth the extra outlay for the cab, which is subsidised anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    I saw that last week and wondered how the hell that was going to work, then I thought about it a bit, and it aint using any energy sitting around the rank all day.

    Should be enough juice to get a fare to where they want to go, then sit at the back of the rank until it's time to go home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,343 ✭✭✭beazee


    mgbgt1978 wrote: »
    The Prius doesn't meet the regs either (boot space and rear shoulder room) but they allow it because it's seen as "green".

    What's wrong in 21.6 cubic feet luggage capacity for the 2010 Prius (according to the official Toyota Prius website)?
    2010_toyota_prius_luggage_cargo.jpg


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭Bodhan


    I'm still bewildered by how it could work. With a range of 170kms or so a Dublin Taxi must travel further than that in a days work?
    If you add passengers and luggage that 170kms becomes a lot less, I foresee lots of Leafs sitting on the M50 waiting for the AA to come tow them home for a charge :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭2qk4u


    Its just promotional stunt to con people into buying electric cars, I drive a Taxi and I done 254 miles yesterday, an electric car is not a viable option for a real Taxi.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,002 ✭✭✭Cionád


    beazee wrote: »
    What's wrong in 21.6 cubic feet luggage capacity for the 2010 Prius (according to the official Toyota Prius website)?
    2010_toyota_prius_luggage_cargo.jpg

    Ask the regulator... From license renewals next year a Kia Carnival 7 seater will only be classified as a 5 seater (4 passengers), and the two back seats will have to be removed in order to satisfy luggage capacity rules.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,261 ✭✭✭mgbgt1978


    beazee wrote: »
    What's wrong in 21.6 cubic feet luggage capacity for the 2010 Prius (according to the official Toyota Prius website)?
    2010_toyota_prius_luggage_cargo.jpg

    According to the Taxi Regulator's "model report database" dated 22/10/'10 the Prius FAILS on both shoulder room and luggage capacity. Yet it still passes as acceptable for a Taxi. If you think that's strange the Lexus GS450H hybrid fails as Taxi on boot space even though it obviously has more than enough shoulder room.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,129 ✭✭✭Sesshoumaru


    http://maps.google.ie/maps?q=http:%2F%2Fwww.esb.ie%2Felectric-cars%2Fkml%2Fall.kml&hl=en&sll=53.401034,-8.307638&sspn=10.098809,19.753418&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=7

    Lots of charging points around Dublin, the blue ones are fast chargers that will top you up in 30 minutes. Fast charging is still free, pulling into Topaz and filling up for free seems pretty sweet for a taxi driver. Charging overnight won't cost more than 2 euro.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,343 ✭✭✭beazee


    mgbgt1978 wrote: »
    According to the Taxi Regulator's "model report database" dated 22/10/'10 the Prius FAILS on both shoulder room and luggage capacity.

    Why don't you have a look into Oct 2011 report?

    No issues with Prius 2010 onwards.
    p7YhD.gif


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,407 ✭✭✭Dartz


    I'd like to catch this.

    I'd really like to try one. But would feel like a twonk walking in to a dealer asking for a test drive, and not even having the ability to buy one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    R.O.R wrote: »
    I saw that last week and wondered how the hell that was going to work, then I thought about it a bit, and it aint using any energy sitting around the rank all day.

    Should be enough juice to get a fare to where they want to go, then sit at the back of the rank until it's time to go home.

    Ha !
    Sitting on the rank on a warm day, I hope. In the depths of winter, where'll the heat come from......... ?

    And, back at the Rank, unless they put in a plug every 16ft, you're going to lose your spot in the queue waiting for the 'green light' to come on ! :D

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,129 ✭✭✭kirving


    Maybe there's more to this than I am missing, but according to the report mentioned earlier. [PDF]

    ...A Volvo S60 Fails(on boot capacity?), while an 05 Civic Hatchback passes, as does a Chrysler Voyager. I know what I'd rather be driven around in.

    I realise you have to draw the line somewhere, but there has to be a level of cop on too. A Leaf would be fine for city journies I'd imagine, with 3 customers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,626 ✭✭✭✭coylemj



    ...A Volvo S60 Fails(on boot capacity?), while an 05 Civic Hatchback passes, as does a Chrysler Voyager. I know what I'd rather be driven around in.

    You'd be surprised at the difference between perception and reality when it comes to boot size. A BMW 3 series looks like it has a decent boot but last time I looked the wheel arches almost met in the middle and there was feck all space. I used to own a 2003 Volvo S60 and the boot isn't half as big as it looks, for example you can only fit a golf bag diagonally meaning it won't take two!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,896 ✭✭✭✭Spook_ie


    coylemj wrote: »
    You'd be surprised at the difference between perception and reality when it comes to boot size. A BMW 3 series looks like it has a decent boot but last time I looked the wheel arches almost met in the middle and there was feck all space. I used to own a 2003 Volvo S60 and the boot isn't half as big as it looks, for example you can only fit a golf bag diagonally meaning it won't take two!

    The taxi reg specifications are mainly for a std folded wheelchair not 2 golfbags :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,129 ✭✭✭Sesshoumaru


    http://www.enniscorthyguardian.ie/news/plug-and-go-as-electric-taxi-hits-wexford-roads-2962147.html
    WEXFORD'S first electric taxi has caused a spark of excitement among revellers in Gorey this month, as Francis Lenehan started taking passengers in his car which sources its power purely by plugging the mains supply.
    'I did it to save money, and there's big savings on them,' he added. 'I'd say I'm saving around €300 a week. I'm hoping to add more electric vehicles to the fleet.'


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    Its a Stunt imo..

    Part of the reason for Toyotas reputation allot of people base reliability on what Taxi Drivers buy.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 71,188 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    beazee wrote: »
    Why don't you have a look into Oct 2011 report?

    No issues with Prius 2010 onwards.
    p7YhD.gif

    The NTA still allow pre-'10 reg ones to be taxis for utterly bollox "green" reasons. Whereas they ban the S40, a far more suitable car for being a few mm too short on shoulder room from memory.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,102 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Dartz wrote: »
    I'd like to catch this.

    I'd really like to try one. But would feel like a twonk walking in to a dealer asking for a test drive, and not even having the ability to buy one.

    There's no reason to tell them you can't buy it. Take a test drive and say you'll get back to them as you've a few other cars to look at.

    I didn't buy every car I test drove when I was looking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    MYOB wrote: »
    The NTA still allow pre-'10 reg ones to be taxis for utterly bollox "green" reasons. Whereas they ban the S40, a far more suitable car for being a few mm too short on shoulder room from memory.

    I looked at buying an S40 and discounted it as I couldnt sit in the back without my head hitting the roof and I'm under 6".


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,896 ✭✭✭✭Spook_ie


    MYOB wrote: »
    The NTA still allow pre-'10 reg ones to be taxis for utterly bollox "green" reasons. Whereas they ban the S40, a far more suitable car for being a few mm too short on shoulder room from memory.

    Not so, they still allow them because the "age" rule has been shelved until vehicle change


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 143 ✭✭Conba


    Only bringing this up again because I spotted my first Nissan Leaf taxi in Cork last week. Now I don't live in a city so forgive me if I'm way behind the times but I'd be curious to know if many taxis are electric at this stage?

    I followed that one in Cork a good bit out of the city (beyond Blarney) so I was wondering if he has to recharge a few times a day doing trips like that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,186 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    Conba wrote: »
    Only bringing this up again because I spotted my first Nissan Leaf taxi in Cork last week. Now I don't live in a city so forgive me if I'm way behind the times but I'd be curious to know if many taxis are electric at this stage?

    I followed that one in Cork a good bit out of the city (beyond Blarney) so I was wondering if he has to recharge a few times a day doing trips like that.

    He can only get 100km's or so, anything beyond that and he is cutting it fine. So unless he is happy to do only a few fares a day he is going to have to charge at least 2-3 times a day for 20-30mins. While charging is free he is fine but as soon as charging for charging comes in his business model is going to be very different!

    I've seen him at the Frankfield charger a few times. I dont know if there are others in Cork but a 24kWh Leaf isnt suitable for Taxi work. It only works now because charging is free.

    There are a few other Leaf Taxis in the Dublin area. I saw one at the Stillorgan charger and I think there is one in Gorey?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    one in Gorey abuses the charger , ultimately the pricing model will kill EV taxis


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    KCross wrote: »
    He can only get 100km's or so, anything beyond that and he is cutting it fine. So unless he is happy to do only a few fares a day he is going to have to charge at least 2-3 times a day for 20-30mins. While charging is free he is fine but as soon as charging for charging comes in his business model is going to be very different!

    I've seen him at the Frankfield charger a few times. I dont know if there are others in Cork but a 24kWh Leaf isnt suitable for Taxi work. It only works now because charging is free.

    There are a few other Leaf Taxis in the Dublin area. I saw one at the Stillorgan charger and I think there is one in Gorey?
    There's two in Cork that I know of - one red, one black. Driver of black one is sound.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    BoatMad wrote: »
    one in Gorey abuses the charger , ultimately the pricing model will kill EV taxis

    It would nearly be worth bringing in 'charging for charging' just to (hopefully) put that prick out of business - especially given claims today on Facebook that he unplugs actively charging cars to plug his own in (which he then abandons).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,186 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    There's two in Cork that I know of - one red, one black. Driver of black one is sound.

    There must be 3 so as the one I saw was neither of those colours.
    I spoke to the guy I saw, he was sound too. Wasn't pushy about getting me off and waited for me to finish. Can't see how they will make it work when charging comes in though. They will be left with a car they can't use for their business. Back to ICE I suppose.
    It would nearly be worth bringing in 'charging for charging' just to (hopefully) put that prick out of business - especially given claims today on Facebook that he unplugs actively charging cars to plug his own in (which he then abandons).

    How does he do that? Isn't it locked by the charger and only the owners card can unlock it? Unless he is hitting the emergency stop button, which would be a major abuse that should get him banned.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,621 ✭✭✭✭DrPhilG


    KCross wrote: »
    How does he do that? Isn't it locked by the charger and only the owners card can unlock it? Unless he is hitting the emergency stop button, which would be a major abuse that should get him banned.

    That's exactly what he does.

    Apparently he doesn't even bother his hole using his card to stop his own charge, he is so lazy he just uses the red button!

    But using the red button to interrupt others while they're away is the worst abuse of the infrastructure I've heard of yet. This guy seems like a real piece of crap.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,295 ✭✭✭n97 mini


    KCross wrote: »
    How does he do that? Isn't it locked by the charger and only the owners card can unlock it? Unless he is hitting the emergency stop button, which would be a major abuse that should get him banned.

    A couple of people have claimed he's knocked them off using the emergency stop button.

    When the card reader accepts even Leap cards, there's not a lot can be done.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,186 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    DrPhilG wrote: »
    That's exactly what he does.

    Apparently he doesn't even bother his hole using his card to stop his own charge, he is so lazy he just uses the red button!

    But using the red button to interrupt others while they're away is the worst abuse of the infrastructure I've heard of yet. This guy seems like a real piece of crap.

    n97 mini wrote: »
    A couple of people have claimed he's knocked them off using the emergency stop button.

    When the card reader accepts even Leap cards, there's not a lot can be done.

    Jeez! Thats ridiculous. He should get a ban for that. I presume eCars know about him? They should be able to track his usage via his card.

    The fact other cards work might make that difficult if he is clever enough not to use his own card.

    He should be reported either way. Charging for charging will take care of him but thats a double edged sword! He's an exception, I hope!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    It would nearly be worth bringing in 'charging for charging' just to (hopefully) put that prick out of business - especially given claims today on Facebook that he unplugs actively charging cars to plug his own in (which he then abandons).

    yes , while it might be a nice dose of Schadenfreude, its not what we need at this stage to develop the EV business.

    Simple time based limits based on the smart card would easily sort these guys out


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,237 ✭✭✭darragh o meara


    EVs as taxis are a great idea. I seen Teslas being used as Taxis in Amsterdam earlier in the year. They looked the business but was thinking they must have some form of charging strategy to keep them running all the time.

    Could a taxi driver here have 2 EVs, use one while the other is plugged into a fast charger then swap over as needed??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,621 ✭✭✭✭DrPhilG


    Could a taxi driver here have 2 EVs, use one while the other is plugged into a fast charger then swap over as needed??

    Thereby permanently blocking the FCP as one or other car will always be there?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    EVs as taxis are a great idea. I seen Teslas being used as Taxis in Amsterdam earlier in the year. They looked the business but was thinking they must have some form of charging strategy to keep them running all the time.

    Could a taxi driver here have 2 EVs, use one while the other is plugged into a fast charger then swap over as needed??
    DrPhilG wrote: »
    Thereby permanently blocking the FCP as one or other car will always be there?

    AFAIK our buddy in Gorey has two Leafs and does exactly this - drive one while the other is charging.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 183 ✭✭jerryg


    I have been inconvenienced by our friend in Gorey on 2 occasions and Gorey is an important hub in the South East as it is the last port for a fast charge on the way to Wexford and Rosslare .
    I have reported him but there does not appear to be anything they
    (E.S.B e cars) can do!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,186 ✭✭✭✭KCross


    jerryg wrote: »
    I have been inconvenienced by our friend in Gorey on 2 occasions and Gorey is an important hub in the South East as it is the last port for a fast charge on the way to Wexford and Rosslare .
    I have reported him but there does not appear to be anything they
    (E.S.B e cars) can do!

    Would a dose of his own medicine help? i.e. unplug him?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,621 ✭✭✭✭DrPhilG


    KCross wrote: »
    Would a dose of his own medicine help? i.e. unplug him?

    I'm not in the area, but I've advocated that a few times on Facebook. If I lived in or near Gorey I would make a point of going to the charger every time I'm near it and unplugging him.

    Someone did suggest that this wasn't advisable since I would have to push the emergency stop button, but since that seems to be his process anyway (for his own car as well as any other he deems to be in his way) I don't see any issue!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,237 ✭✭✭darragh o meara


    DrPhilG wrote: »
    Thereby permanently blocking the FCP as one or other car will always be there?

    The idea would be to have your own charge point and not use shared chargers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    The idea would be to have your own charge point and not use shared chargers.

    I doubt a taxi man , will install a 40Kw fast charger and the necessary ESB power supply and space needed etc !!!!, you are probably talking 100K euros here , thats a lot of diesel !!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,605 ✭✭✭gctest50


    jerryg wrote: »
    I have been inconvenienced by our friend in Gorey on 2 occasions and Gorey is an important hub in the South East as it is the last port for a fast charge on the way to Wexford and Rosslare .
    I have reported him but there does not appear to be anything they
    (E.S.B e cars) can do!

    They could always put in another charge point beside/near it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,702 ✭✭✭✭BoatMad


    gctest50 wrote: »
    They could always put in another charge point beside/near it

    no power space or money , so unlikely , equally ESB installing a FCP merely because an individual is abusing one nearby , is rather ridiculous


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,605 ✭✭✭gctest50


    More FCPs = more people will buy EVs


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,621 ✭✭✭✭DrPhilG


    gctest50 wrote: »
    They could always put in another charge point beside/near it

    So then taxi prick can plug both in when he's off duty?

    Great craic.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,449 ✭✭✭✭pwurple


    There are 3 leaf taxis in cork that I know of. The one who charges at the petrol station by kinsale road is who i bump into in the middle of the night.

    He has an older leaf than the 24kw or 30kw models, so just about the 100k range at this stage. He fast charges 4 or 5 times a night. Seems like the absolute worst way to introduce the public to EVs, there are bog standard models with more than double that range.

    I see an EV as being very suitable for an inner city taxi in general. Short runs, traffic, ideal. But surely to goodness the larger range ones make more sense. Induction chargers in ranks might be a future state model.

    I guess this fella can't justify the spend of buying a new one for his own comfort (less charges required per night).


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