Model report for Electric taxi grants

[mercenary for hire]

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ESPSV_Grant_Vehicle_List_30-11-2017.pdf

So I found this on the NTA site.For some reason they appear to be excluding the Tesla model S for taxi usage but say it's qualifying for ev grants as a limo.Same applies to the plug in 5 series and E class vehicles.No idea why.They've included the plug in Prius even though the new model only has 2 rear seats.

The Renault Zoe has been included too for taxi use even though it's quite small and very tight for 3 on the back seat and has as low as 80 miles range and no proper handles on the back doors.Not really suitable for taxi IMHO.The BMW I3 is also included even though it isn't that big either and I doubt they'd be safe as they come from the factory with suicide doors and no external handles on the back doors.Not a chance lads.Who makes up these lists have they ever driven a car for hire or even asked a driver what they think?

I knew when I first saw that wanker Ross announcing the grant on Twitter that it would be a token gesture.They should have extended the grant to new hybrids if they wanted to get drivers out of their diesels.33k new for a Prius is silly money even for me and I'm kinda loaded for a few weeks.

The technology hasn't improved enough to bypass the hybrids for taxi usage.All of the plug in Hybrids are compromised in some way.If the same gimps in the NTA are in charge of the Rickshaw review we're kinda bollixed.Happy holidays..

[Rat Catcher]

They don't seem to know what they're talking about. It'll be interesting to see what you buy if you elect to change. I have to change my yoke next year but 15k will probably be the top end of my budget for something that'll do 5 years. I suppose, on those figures, 33k for 10 years isn't a whole lot more if you have it.... before you factor in the opportunity cost of not paying it off your mortgage!

[mercenary for hire]

Maybe a nearly new Dacia duster for 15k then dispose of it after 5/6 years?I'm not a diesel fan meself but if it does the job and is cheap..New Corolla petrol is around 22k,not as efficient but less of a headache if it ever breaks.Toyota also sell an Auris estate that's based on the Corrolla that you can get with the Prius bits inside for 26 brand new.You should get a good one for 15 secondhand..

Bottom line is the hybrid or fully electric versions are significantly more expensive.Plug in electric motors only get ya about 30 miles typically before they revert back to regular hybrids then you're carrying extra batteries around for the rest of yer shift.You couldn't be blamed for buying another diesel I suppose with the lack of grants being made available for the cars we want/need to buy.I'm gonna bury me head in the sand until they get their act together in the NTA.I couldn't commit 30k to this Industry when they so clearly haven't a clue what they're doing.Unless of course Black beauty becomes terminally ill..

[the driver]

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ESPSV_Grant_Vehicle_List_30-11-2017.pdf

So I found this on the NTA site.For some reason they appear to be excluding the Tesla model S for taxi usage but say it's qualifying for ev grants as a limo.Same applies to the plug in 5 series and E class vehicles.No idea why.They've included the plug in Prius even though the new model only has 2 rear seats.

The Renault Zoe has been included too for taxi use even though it's quite small and very tight for 3 on the back seat and has as low as 80 miles range and no proper handles on the back doors.Not really suitable for taxi IMHO.The BMW I3 is also included even though it isn't that big either and I doubt they'd be safe as they come from the factory with suicide doors and no external handles on the back doors.Not a chance lads.Who makes up these lists have they ever driven a car for hire or even asked a driver what they think?

I knew when I first saw that wanker Ross announcing the grant on Twitter that it would be a token gesture.They should have extended the grant to new hybrids if they wanted to get drivers out of their diesels.33k new for a Prius is silly money even for me and I'm kinda loaded for a few weeks.

The technology hasn't improved enough to bypass the hybrids for taxi usage.All of the plug in Hybrids are compromised in some way.If the same gimps in the NTA are in charge of the Rickshaw review we're kinda bollixed.Happy holidays..

The Tesla fails the Taxi test because of tinted glass.Unlike most other makes,there is no alternative glass available.The BMW and the Merc fail because of boot space.The battery packs take up to much of the boot.Bit of a joke really as the Zoe and I3 basically have no boot space.Thy must have been given an exemption because they are all electric in a similar way that the Mk 1 Prius was exempt.It's the 7 series BMW which does not meet Taxi rules.5 series appears to be ok.

[The Liffey Lip]

Build first-plan later...Irish motto.

[mercenary for hire]

The windows...never thought of them.The i3 has no exterior rear door handles.And suicide doors on a taxi?There used to be a chap in an Alfa 156 with those silly door handles like on the Zoe,I'd say they'd be a nightmare trying to mime where the passengers have to press everytime you pick up a fare.

The latest Prius plug in only seats two in the back.It doesn't have a 3 person rear seat option.No mention of the Hyundai Ionic either.The list was supposed to be out in February so maybe this one isn't final.They probably did it up from the phone at the Christmas party.

[Rat Catcher]

You'd have to be a complete erm to buy a taxi with no external passenger door handles. The Duster looks like a lot of car for the money, my only concern with them is that they might be too high for elderly/infirm passengers.

[mercenary for hire]

I think there's a slightly higher Dacia Logan MCV stepway for a couple of grand extra.Looks a bit more upmarket.Might not be so small inside.

[Rat Catcher]

If you're going to be tarred with the "I can't get into that with my back/legs/hips/elbows/wrists/neck/toes/ankles/etc" brush might be as well to import a miniwav shitebox and rent out the saloon plate?

[mercenary for hire]

Might be the way to go.Probably no money in the rental game though..

[Vikkiz]

You'd have to be a complete erm to buy a taxi with no external passenger door handles. The Duster looks like a lot of car for the money, my only concern with them is that they might be too high for elderly/infirm passengers.

Actually, my folks purchased a Hyundai IX20 as it’s a bit higher than a standard saloon and find it a lot easier to get and out of as opposed to a fiesta or similar car

[TheDevilHimself]

Quite a lot of the Old folks Struggle with SUV and "Van" type vehicles. It seems that the extra ground clearance makes it a good bit harder to get in and out.

[Shallowhal]

If the Tesla S isn't on the list....i'm out!!

[mercenary for hire]

They're big money anyway.I doubt the Tesla model X version is actually suitable for limo use as it has gull the wing doors.Seems like the NTA folks googled top ten electric cars and copy and pasted it then went to the pub.Not even checking to see if they'd be viable as PSVs.

[Vikkiz]

Model S is probably the best electric car out there although it's an expensive investment. If I could afford one I'd buy one