Today, electric vehicles are back in vogue. Cheaper to run, tax-efficient and, of course, noiseless, electric vehicles are winning over new customers. And some professions have more interest in taking the plunge than others. This is particularly true of taxis.
Taxis in France
The profession of taxi driver is regulated in France. The profession is practised on behalf of private companies (taxi networks, chauffeur-driven vehicle hire, etc.), government departments (State services, armed forces, etc.) and private individuals, in contact with a wide range of customers (professionals, tourists, etc.). The taxi driver function can be hard work: many people work nights and public holidays. For those who drive in dense areas, the risk of pollution-related illnesses is high.
After reading this article, you'll know :
- How to become a taxi
- The situation for electric taxis in 2019
- How to choose an electric vehicle
- How to load
- What are your advantages as an electric taxi?
- How to take advantage of this opportunity to build up your own customer base
Why choose an electric vehicle when you're a taxi driver?
Whether you are self-employed or work for a company, the taxi trade boils down to depreciating your vehicle. How do you maximise the profits from your vehicle and reduce your fixed costs? That's where the electric car can come into its own.
Why is this?
- Around €2/100 km: recharging costs 4 times less than a full tank of petrol:
- Maintenance costs are very low: up to 4 times cheaper than a thermal vehicle
- As a professional, you can benefit from a wide range of grants if you buy a 100% electric vehicle
- Local authorities can help you: there are many advantages to being an electric taxi
- Customers are delighted: no noise. The experience will be excellent and will enable you to build up a loyal personal clientele with a high socio-professional profile.
READ ALSO - They've gone electric: Benjamin, a Tesla taxi in Yvelines
How do I become a taxi driver?
If you're already a taxi driver, congratulations. You can move on to the next stage. If you are not yet a taxi, follow the guide to becoming a taxi.
Conditions for becoming a taxi
To become a taxi driver, you must :
- Hold the category B driving licence currently valid
- Get a 1st aid diploma or PSC 1 less than 2 years old: this diploma is accessible to everyone and requires no pre-requisites. The course costs between €50 and €80, but you can get a discount if you are unemployed or a student, for example.
- Have a clean criminal record (B2 extract)
- Pass a medical examination and be declared physically fit by an approved doctor
Obtaining your professional taxi card
You need a professional taxi card to work as a taxi driver.
In order to obtain a taxi card, you need to obtain a Taxi Driver's Certificate of Professional Competence (Certificat de Capacité Professionnelle de Conducteur de Taxi).
The examinations have been organised by the chambers of trades and crafts since 2017. Each chamber of trade has its own exam, so you should contact the chamber for your département.
The following documents are required to complete the application:
- a request to register for the examination on the desired date ;
- a photocopy of both sides of a valid national identity card or passport;
- for non-EU nationals, a work permit;
- Proof of address less than 3 months old;
- a photocopy of both sides of your driving licence;
- a recent passport photograph ;
- the candidate's signature ;
- payment of examination fees ;
- for candidates who have been recognised as eligible for less than 3 years, a certificate of successful completion of the eligibility test.
The examination comprises a number of tests on various subjects: regulations governing the private public transport of passengers, road safety, management, local regulations, driving test, French and English. Registration for the 7 theoretical eligibility tests and the practical admission test costs €195. There areseveral exam dates per year.
If you pass your exam, the prefect has three months to issue you with your professional taxi card. This professional card specifies the department(s) in which the successful candidate may operate.
Parking permits (ADS)
To be able to work as a taxi driver, you need to obtain a taxi licence.parking permit (ADS)better known as a "taxi licence" or "plaque". The taxi driver can then either work as a hirer or as an employee on behalf of an operator holding an ADS.
Where to apply
Applications must be made at the town hall (except in Paris).
In Paris, applications for "Parisian taxis" are made to the Prefecture by the Prefect of Police.
How much does it cost?
You have two options:
- You can obtain it free of charge from the Mairie, but there is often a long waiting list before you get it. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years.
- Buying (transfer): an incumbent taxi owner who wishes to cease trading and transfer his licence, provided it was issued before 1 October 2014. The price must be agreed between the two parties.
What legal status should you choose?
Your choice of legal structure will depend on your licence.
- If you own your licence, you can become a self-employed taxi driver
- If not, you will be a salaried taxi driver.
If you are a self-employed taxi driver, you will need to set up your own business.
This table summarises the advantages and disadvantages of each type of status. The difference lies in the social status of the director and his remuneration.
SARL/EURL | SAS / SASU | |
Number of people | 1 (EURL) 100 | 1 (SASU) to unlimited |
Liability | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions |
Share capital | No minimum required | No minimum required |
Articles of association to be drawn up | Yes | Yes |
Management | Manager (one or more), must be a natural person, partner or not | Chairman + other possible bodies, natural or legal person, partner or not |
Manager's social status | TNS if majority shareholder, employee status in other cases | As an employee |
Executive remuneration | The EURL manager is affiliated to Sécurité Sociale des Indépendants (formerly RSI) as a self-employed worker, so will have fewer social security contributions to pay and will receive more remuneration. | Chairmen are covered by the general Social Security system, thanks to their status as salaried employees. As such, you enjoy virtually the same protection as employees and are subject to the same contributions. |
Help with setting up a business | ACCRE, ARCE or ARE continuation (full continuation possible if IS option and unpaid manager) | ACCRE, ARCE or ARE continuation (full continuation possible if unpaid manager) |
Electric taxis around the world
Pollution, particularly in large cities, is not a French problem. Many cities around the world are familiar with this problem and have been fighting for years to reduce pollution in their cities.
Electric taxis in London
London EV Company (LEVC) is a London-based electric vehicle company. They are the world's leading manufacturer and dealer of specialist taxis. London EV Company (LEVC) has reached an important milestone in the sale of its brand new 0 emission taxi, the TXX.
The electric taxi manufacturer recently announced that it has released10,000 fully electric taxisThis has saved 6,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, the equivalent of 1,500 return flights from Sydney to London.
The electric vehicle manufacturer, which produces TX electric taxis at its Ansty site in Coventry, has more than 2,000 taxis operating in London and 20 other UK cities. The company also produces electric taxis for Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Across its entire fleet, the London EV Company (LEVC) - which is owned by Chinese carmaker Geely, which has invested £500 million in the taxi manufacturer - claims to have helped save around 850,000 litres of fossil fuel.
According to the manufacturer, customers and drivers are delighted. The company is also supported by the local authorities in its efforts to improve air quality in London. The company is now turning its attention to electric vans to meet demand from tradesmen.
Electric taxis in Shenzhen
In south-east China, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis linking Hong Kong to mainland China. Shenzhen has been described as "China's Silicon Valley". Formerly the world's factory, the city was founded in the 1970s and has since capitalized on new technologies. Many (very) big companies are based in Shenzhen: Huawei, DGI, ZTE, and the giant Tencent (the father of Wechat), to name but a few.
Since 2017, the Chinese city has invested in eliminating diesel traffic and reducing its noise pollution. All the city's buses were electrified at the end of 2017. Taxis soon followed. The Shenzhen Transport Commission has announced that 99 % of the city's more than 21,000 taxis are now electric. This is a small revolution in China, even if efforts need to be made to make recharging these taxis more fluid.
Other Chinese cities are following suit, including Beijing. The aim is to reduce the out-of-control pollution levels in Chinese cities.
Electric taxis in Montreal
Built in Shenzhen, more than 2,000 electric BYD e6 100 % models will be on the road in Quebec, according to E-Taxi, the first Canadian dealer for Chinese carmaker BYD.
In Quebec, thanks to financial assistance from the federal and Quebec governments, the price of e6 has been reduced. With a autonomy with a range of up to 300 km in winter, this model is a great success in Canada. These vehicles join electric vehicles for taxis already on the roadincluding Nissan Leafs and Teslas.
Electric taxis in Monaco
This summer 2019, Monaco is going green. More than 20 electric taxis recognisable by their "Eco-Taxi Monaco City Only" logo are circulating in the city. Their aim is to offer an alternative to tourists in the Principality.
With a basic pass set at €15, these 100 % electric vehicles serve the Principality's territory only. They are being tested until October 2019.
Electric taxis: which vehicle to choose?
If you have decided to opt for an electric taxi, you are probably wondering about the models available. As a taxi driver, you need to buy robust vehicles that will cost you the least to maintain.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + 2019
Originally, the Tesla Model 3 was supposed to be the consumer model of Tesla. Presented in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 is more of an electric 100% alternative to classic luxury saloons. It is now available to order in three versions:
- Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + from €48,600 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range from €59,000 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Tesla Model 3 Performance from €63,990 (excluding environmental bonus)
The basic range starts at 410 km for the Autonomie Standard Plus Range + version and goes up to 560 km for the Grande Autonomie version. Deliveries are fairly rapid, and are scheduled for M+1 at the time of writing.
Kia e-Niro 64 kWh
Le Kia e-Niro was first launched in South Korea in 2018, and has since been exported around the world. It is the Korean brand's second electric vehicle after the Kia Soul. Bonus? A battery 64 kWh, giving it a range of 485 km on mixed journeys and 615 km on urban journeys, to satisfy heavy-duty drivers. It is available in several versions to suit all motorists:
- e - ACTIVE from €42,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
- e - DESIGN from €44,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
- e - PREMIUM from €46,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
➡️ READ ALSO - Our test of the Kia e-Niro 64 kWh
Nissan Leaf e+ (62 kWh)
The first-generation Nissan Leaf has sold over 400,000 units since its launch in 2010. Now, the second generation has arrived with more power, better range and a relatively affordable price.
The news Nissan Leaf e+ 62 kWh retains everything that worked in previous generations, but has improved on one key point: range. With the new Nissan Leaf 62 kWh, you can drive up to 400 km without recharging in the city, which is very practical, especially in Paris. The Leaf is the most complete electric vehicle in terms of price and range today.
A version of the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh is also available, with a range of 270 km and a starting price of €35,400 excluding the environmental bonus.
READ ALSO - Our test of the Nissan Leaf 62 KWh
Hyundai KONA Electric 64 kWh
There are three things you need to know about the Hyundai Kona Electric: it's a small electric SUV, it has a range of 450 km and it costs €42,400 (excluding the environmental bonus). The Hyundai KONA Electric is a real competitor to its cousin the Kia e-Niro and the Japanese Nissan Leaf. A veritable electric UFO 100%, the Kona's youthful, urban style is sure to turn heads at any crossroads.
It is available in two versions:
- Creative from €43,900 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Executive from €46,400 (excluding environmental bonus)
➡️ READ ALSO - Our test of the Hyundai Kona Electric 64 kWh
In a nutshell
To sum up, if we bring together the main information, here is a table summarising the different electric vehicles suitable for taxi driving in 2019.
Model | Power | Battery (estimated usable) | Range (WLTP) | Price (excluding environmental bonus) |
Tesla Model 3 Autonomie Standard Plus | 150 kW (204 hp) | 50 kWh | 415 km | 48 600 € |
Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 258 kW (351 hp) | 74 kWh | 560 km | 59 000€ |
Kia e-Niro 64 kWh | 150 kW (204 hp) | 64 kWh | 455 km | 42 500 € |
Nissan Leaf 40 KWh | 110 kW (150 hp) | 38.2 kWh | 270 km | 35 400 € |
Nissan Leaf 62 KWh | 160 kW (218 hp) | 60 kWh | 385 km | 43 700 € |
Kia e-Niro 64 kWh | 150 kW (204 hp) | 64 kWh | 455 km | 42 500 € |
Hyundai Kona 64 kWh | 150 kW (204 hp) | 64 kWh | 449 km | 42 400 € |
Where can you recharge your electric vehicle?
Depending on the vehicle you choose, the socket will be different and you will recharge differently. There are several types of socket for recharging your electric vehicle: Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMOetc...
READ ALSO -Charging your electric vehicle: types of plugs and charging methods
You have several options for topping up:
- Charging at home using a domestic socket
- Recharging at home using a charging point
- Charging at public charging stations
Charging at home
This is the easiest way to recharge your electric vehicle. You have the option of recharging your electric taxi using a normal household socket. This will only give you an average range of 120 km overnight.
You can also opt for a wallbox. As its name suggests, it's a wall-mounted box that lets you recharge your electric car faster and more intelligently, taking advantage of off-peak times and without the risk of tripping your meter.
This allows you to keep control of your charging and recharge according to your electricity contract. Recharging is faster, so you can get a full charge overnight. You can find the list of all suppliers of recharging points on the website of the National Association for the Development of Electric Mobility.
It's good to know that you should ask for several quotes to make sure you make the best choice.
Charging at public charging stations
As a taxi driver, you will also need to recharge at public charging points. You can find the charging points nearest you on theapplication Chargemap which lists charging points near you.
If you work as an electric taxi driver in Paris, there are several options for recharging your battery. The main networks of charging points in the capital are those of Paris recharge (formerly Autolib') and Belib'. There are also other charging points in and around the capital, including those operated by IZIVIA at Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports.
➡️ READ ALSO - How do I charge my electric car in Paris?
Paris recharge (standard recharge - 15 to 20 km/hour recharge)
With over 1,000 terminals and 200 stations across the capital, Paris recharge terminals are everywhere. As a taxi driver, you'll need to pay a subscription fee of €600/year for unlimited recharging on this network. This is a very good deal if you intend to recharge regularly at these terminals, at a cost of just €50/month.
Belib' (semi-rapid recharging 150 to 200 km/hour)
This is the Paris public network of charging points for electric vehicles. With a maximum output of 22 kW, Belib' charging stations will give you enough range for a break or while you're waiting for a customer. The first hour's charging costs just €1. After that, rates soar to over €15 an hour. So it's best to recharge several times, but never spend more than an hour at a charging point.
Corri-Door IZIVIA (rapid recharging (300 to 500 km/hour recharging))
Ideally located at Paris-CDG and Paris-ORLY airports, on the ring road around Porte d'Aubervilliers and in the La Défense district, the Corri-Door network will allow you to recover 80 % of your battery in no time, so you can get on with your day if you have several long journeys to make during the day. The charge is €1/5 minutes.
New at
Paris airports have invested in recharging infrastructure dedicated to Taxis and VTCs. At the Orly professional car park, 10 22 kW charging points (up to 150 km of range per hour of charging) and one 50 kW point (up to 350 km of range per hour of charging) have been installed. A similar installation is planned for the "new Taxis rear base" pro car park at the eastern end of Charles de Gaulle airport.
Other terminals
Not necessarily part of a large network, a number of additional charging points exist in Paris. Some are self-service, such as the fast charging points at Nissan dealerships in Montrouge, Paris 12 and Nanterre.
Car parks Effia are also equipped with standard kiosks that can be useful during a break. A number of shopping centres are also equipped with standard, semi-rapid and rapid charging stations in the Paris suburbs, including Auchans in Villebon-sur-Yvette and Villiers-sur-Marne, and IKEA in Vélizy-Villacoublay and Franconville. All the charging points can be found on the Chargemap application, which lists all the charging stations.
In Lyon and Nice
As in Paris, the towns of Lyon and Nice are very well equipped with recharging stations, including the Bluely (standard charge) and CNR (fast charge) at Lyon and the capture of Nice.
What are your advantages as an electric taxi driver?
Like many people, you may be sceptical about the usefulness of an electric car, given the high purchase price. But don't panic, there are several advantages to switching to an electric vehicle as a taxi driver.
Savings on usage
As an electric vehicle owner, you'll no longer have to fill up but recharge your vehicle.
Expect to pay an average of €2/100 km (compared with €8.5/100 km for a diesel and €11.5/100 km for a petrol engine).
Depending on when you choose to recharge your vehicle, these savings can increase even further. For example, if you choose to recharge your vehicle during off-peak hours, the price of a 'full tank' of electricity will be cheaper. You are also not affected by fluctuations in the price of oil and their negative effects on motorists.
Good to know: During the day, off-peak times are between 10am and 5pm. At night, you should connect between 10pm and 6am.
READ ALSO - When should you recharge your electric car?
Low maintenance costs
Electric vehicles have fewer parts (around forty) than traditional vehicles (over 300).
They are therefore less expensive to maintain because there are fewer parts that could potentially fail or need to be replaced.
For example, there are no oil changes, belt changes or gearbox changes. The only maintenance required is for consumables (tyres, brake pads, etc). It's worth noting that brake pads and discs last twice as long on average, thanks to the regenerative braking of electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are therefore much more reliable than their combustion-powered equivalents, and can be driven long distances without hassle.
Silence on board
When you're a taxi driver, you deal with all kinds of customers. And sometimes silence makes all the difference. In an electric vehicle, there's silence on board. You can put on some music or enjoy the drive to your destination in silence. And don't forget, no noise pollution: it's especially practical if you're driving at night.
Support for the purchase of an electric vehicle
In addition to the €7,000 eco-bonus, you can also claim up to €2,500 from the conversion bonus (if you already own a car) and regional bonuses depending on the region in which your company is registered.
Ecological bonus
The ecological bonus only applies to new vehicles and is worth up to €6,000 for a new electric vehicle.
Passenger cars emitting less than 20 g CO2/km | 4,000 euros limited to 27 % of the cost |
Commercial vehicles and vans emitting less than 20 g CO2/km | 5,000 limited to 27 % of the cost |
N2 and M2 vehicles emitting less than 20g CO2/km and benefiting from a weight exemption and with a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes or less | 4,000 euros limited to 27 % of the cost |
Conversion premium
The conversion premium has changed and from 1 August 2019, the following scale will apply to electric vehicles.
Conversion premium | New electric vehicle | Used electric vehicles |
Companies | 2 500€ | 2 500€ |
Regional aid
The Île-de-France region is offering €6,000 in assistance for the purchase of an electric vehicle if you are a taxi driver, in addition to the €7,000 environmental bonus. All in all, that's a total saving of €13,000 in the Île-de-France region if you're an electric taxi driver.
READ OUR DOSSIER - Support for the purchase of an electric car in 2023
Paris City Council grants
Reducing pollution is one of Paris City Council's top priorities. To achieve this, innovative solutions need to be found to encourage the use of clean vehicles and thus reduce pollution caused by fine particles.
As an electric taxi, Paris City Council is offering financial assistance:
- 6,000 for a new electric or hydrogen vehicle (cash purchase or lease/lease)
- 3,000 for a second-hand electric or hydrogen vehicle (cash purchase or leasing)
Applications can be made entirely online via the Town Hall website https://moncompte.paris.fr/
What are the qualifying conditions?
- Parisian taxi licence holder
- 12 months' seniority for the used vehicle
- A maximum of 5 grants per year per licence holder
What documents do I need to provide?
- Parking card
- Driving licence
- Bank details (the bank details must include: IBAN, BIC, bank name and logo)
- Proof of activity
- Invoice or rental contract
- Taxi registration document
Good to know: the Paris City Council grant cannot be combined with the regional grant.
In a nutshell
As you can see, switching to electric cars could be a real opportunity for taxis. And not just for their ecological conscience...
Don't hesitate to find out all you can before taking the plunge.
What about you? Are you planning to switch to an electric vehicle for your taxi business?
