Renewable energy technology company BYD has introduced 100 electric taxis in Singapore, forming the biggest electric-taxi fleet in South East Asia. The commercial introduction of the pure electric e6 cars also represents the largest investment of its kind by a Chinese electric car manufacturer.
This latest injection of electric taxis into Singapore’s transport network was launched amidst much fanfare from 300 attendees including the Secretary General of the National Trade Union Congress Chan Chun Sing, diplomats and various BYD representatives.
The expansion comes two years after BYD’s fleet of 30 electric-taxis first hit the country’s roads in 2014, operated by HDT Holdings, the only electric-taxi operator in Singapore, in partnership with the ride hailing company Grab. With the highly recognised customised service of the 30 electric-taxi fleet, HDT Holdings got a special permission from the local government to run another 100 electric-taxis and called up a tender for the fleet. BYD won this tender to provide the 100 electric-taxis to HDT based on its global experience in the industry and the previous successful cooperation with them.
“BYD’s electric cars have become our calling card,” said HDT Holdings General Manager James Ng.
Singapore has gradually adopted environmentally friendly policies over the years. The introduction of the 100 e6 electric taxis is estimated to save the island state around 46,400 tons of carbon emissions a year roughly equivalent to saving 26,000 trees.
“This is only the beginning, as there will be more BYD products and services for Singaporeans in the future,” said Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division. “BYD will continue to support Singapore in its noble ambition for sustainable transportation.”
The BYD e6, an all-electric compact crossover/compact MPV, has zero emissions and offers a range of 400 kilometers. There are e6 taxi fleets in China, Colombia, Belgium, Netherlands, U.K., and the U.S. (New York and Chicago). BYD’s electric bus and other new energy vehicles have a footprint in 240 cities across 50 countries and regions.
SOURCE BYD