Electric Taxis in Berlin – Analysis of the Feasibility of a Large-Scale Transition

Abstract

Battery operated electric vehicles (BEVs) offer the opportunity of running a zero-emission car fleet. However, due to their current range constraints, electric vehicle operations are mainly attractive for inner-city transport, such as the taxi business. This paper is bringing together facts and assumptions about Berlin’s taxi transport and the current conditions of BEVs in Germany to provide the scope of electrification. Firstly, the necessary amount of fast chargers is determined taking general constraints of Berlin’s taxi business into account. For charging, especially busy days during cold winter days will be critical. Furthermore, a pricing scheme for fast charger usage is introduced. Based on this, operating operation costs of a hybrid electric vehicle and a battery electric vehicle are compared. The authors conclude that BEV operation will only pay off if the vehicle’s battery life can be warranted over a long span or costs of electric energy in Germany drops.