Taxi drivers to save up to €5,400 when switching to electric through new FREENOW partnership with Tesla
Exclusive incentive reduces the cost for FREENOW drivers of a new electric taxi by up to €26,590 when combined with eSPSV grant scheme
FREENOW has today (03.10.24) announced an exclusive incentive with Tesla offering all FREENOW driver partners up to €5,400 off the list price of a Tesla vehicle. When combined with the eSPSV grant scheme, this can reduce the cost of switching to a new electric taxi by up to €26,590.
The appetite for the switch to electric is clear for drivers and passengers alike, with FREENOW welcoming, on average 13 battery Electric Vehicles (EVs) to its fleet weekly. In the first half of 2024, 14% of all FREENOW trips taken were via EVs, with the EV driver fleet growing by almost 11% in this period. In addition, nearly half (44%) of all FREENOW vehicles in Dublin last year were electric and hybrid.
This partnership supports the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) recently launched Sustainability Strategy, which outlines its commitment to implementing and promoting sustainability practices nationally across the transport sector. As part of the new Strategy, the NTA is aiming for 40% of all taxis in Ireland to be sustainable by 2030.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, said: We’re excited to announce this new partnership with Tesla, which offers an exclusive incentive that makes driving an EV even more affordable for our driver partners. At FREENOW, we continue to take a considerate and comprehensive approach to sustainability. The National Transport Authority has also set ambitious sustainability goals, which we are committed to supporting as Ireland’s No. 1 taxi app.
Every part of the transport ecosystem has a role to play in reducing emissions, and we see the switch to electric taxi fleets as a huge opportunity for rapid, meaningful change. Our partnership with Tesla is another key step in helping our drivers make this important transition."
Melanie Naughton, Country Lead at Tesla Ireland, commented: “Creating this opportunity for FREENOW taxi drivers is a significant step in actioning our mission here in Ireland. In two weeks, we have received over 450 requests from drivers across the country, showing a real demand for affordable high-performance EVs. We look forward to introducing more drivers to our vehicles and further contributing to Ireland’s transition to sustainable energy.”
The offer is available to FREENOW drivers for both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, two of the best-selling vehicles in Europe in either long-range or rear wheel drive variants. In 2023, the Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in the world. Both vehicles have gained popularity due to their efficient interior spaces, 5 star NCCAP safety ratings and affordable charging rates. Tesla’s Supercharger network lets drivers charge their cars quickly, adding up to 241 km of range in just 15 minutes.
According to the National Transport Authority, the average taxi driver in Ireland covers 32,600km per year whilst in service. In a petrol vehicle, this would cost approximately €4,500 per year; however, with a Tesla Model Y, the estimated cost drops to just €2,700. In Model 3, the estimated cost goes down to €2,100 per year, and this could decrease further through charging at home with an overnight EV tariff.*
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The National Transport Authority’s eSPSV grant scheme offers up to €20,000 for drivers to scrap an older fossil fuel car for a new electric vehicle. Additional money is available if purchasing models that are wheelchair accessible. Taxi owners who switch to an EV can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000) and the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €300).
Calculation of fuel savings:
To calculate the operational cost differences, we've assumed a fuel economy of 6.4 l/100 km for a comparable petrol powered car to the Model 3, and a fuel economy of 7.6 l/100 km for a comparable petrol powered car to the Model Y. We've also assumed the national average of €0.50 per kilowatt-hour for residential electricity (assumed for 100% charging) and €1.81 per litre for petrol over the next five years. Tesla efficiency values are based on Model Y Long Range All Wheel Drive and Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive.
Comparison petrol vehicles are selected based on vehicle class, seating capacity and standard features. We use the WLTP estimated range standard to compare efficiency data between our cars and a comparable petrol alternative using each vehicle's combined city/motorway MPG and MPGe ratings. Actual range may vary based on factors such as speed, weather conditions and elevation change.
Model Y consumption rating = 16.9 kWh/100kmComparison car consumption rating = 7.6 l/100 km
Model 3 consumption rating = 13.2 kWh/100kmComparison car consumption rating = 6.4 l/100 km
About FREENOW
FREENOW is Europe’s multi-mobility app with taxi offering at its core, available in 9 European markets and over 150 cities. FREENOW users can access various mobility services within a single app, including taxis, PHV, carsharing, car rental, eScooters, eBikes, eMopeds and public transport. FREENOW partners with numerous mobility brands and aggregates their offering with the ambition to make urban mobility more efficient and sustainable without adding new vehicles on the street. The Germany-based company is backed by the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility. FREENOW is led by CEO Thomas Zimmermann.
Visit our Website for further information and download the FREENOW app for iOS or Android
About Tesla
Tesla's mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. With global temperatures rising, the faster we free ourselves from fossil fuel reliance and achieve a zero-emission future, the better. In pursuit of this mission, we make electric vehicles that are not just great EVs, but one of the safest cars in the world.
Those over the age of 21 can experience Tesla via the Tesla Website. You can also learn more on Model Y and Model 3.
