Technology

Posted on October 22, 2018 by staff

Gett launches on-demand electric taxi rides

Technology

Gett has become the UK’s first ride-hailing app to offer on-demand electric taxi rides to its customers in London.

Customers will now have the option to take carbon neutral rides through the usual Taxi, XL and WAV options, make air quality donations through Gett Green, and to ride emission-free with the Gett Electric option.

With space for up to six people, and an option for wheelchair accessibility, the TX Electric taxi sports a 50kW rapid charge, allowing the battery to power up to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

While being environmentally friendly, the taxis are also cost-effective. LEVC says operators of the TX Electric taxi will save at least £100 in fuel cost savings.

“With the alarming pollution levels in London, customers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly ways to travel,” said Gett’s UK CEO Matteo de Renzi.

“Gett is delighted to offer the Gett Electric vehicle option, providing completely emission-free rides.”

Gett is encouraging its drivers to obtain the TX Electric taxis through reduced commission schemes in the platform’s app.

The launch follows other initiatives by Gett to mitigate the carbon emissions from customers rides.

Gett driver Anton, who has owned a TXE since the start of the year, said: “It is by far the best taxi I have driven in over 20 years.”Plus, it’s much more economical – I’m making a saving of £4k a year on fuel alone.

“Every customer adores the vehicle. They are in awe of the features, especially the USB charging points and the panoramic roof. I’ve had such a positive reaction to it from everyone who gets in the cab, it’s been fantastic!”

Since September 2018, every ride will be carbon neutral by offsetting 7,500 tonnes of CO2 – the amount it is expected to produce in the UK in the following 12 months – through investments in accredited carbon reduction projects.

Gett is also giving its London black cab customers the opportunity to ride ‘carbon positive’ by paying an optional 20p extra per ride through the Gett Green class.

The Gett Electric class is currently available 10:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday in Central London.