The Tesla Model S electric car has garnered plenty of praise from individual owners, but a handful of operators are finding that it works pretty well as a taxi, too.
Model S taxis are already operating Norway--where generous electric-car incentives make the Tesla one of the country's best-selling vehicles--and now Holland is following Norway's lead.
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The Netherlands' Taxi Electric will add the Model S to its existing fleet of Nissan Leaf electric taxis, giving travelers the opportunity for a somewhat more luxurious ride.
2014 Tesla Model S
The whisper-quiet Model S will likely provide quite a contrast to the diesel sedans and wagons that typically pull taxi duty in Holland.
The four-door electric sedan should actually be well suited to taxi service. The packaging of the electric powertrain makes for a decent amount of backseat space, and drivers probably won't be disappointed by the acceleration.
The five-door hatchback layout and front trunk also provide room for large items, which should come in handy on runs to and from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
2014 Tesla Model S
While Tesla itself doesn't promote the use of its cars as taxis, Nissan has demonstrated taxis based on the Leaf and e-NV200 small commercial van.
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As with privately-owned electric cars, the taxis seem to be held back by lack of charging infrastructure and relatively short ranges at the prices fleets are willing to pay.
The Model S' large battery pack likely provides enough range to cover a shift, but the roughly $70,000 base price may be a bit steep for most operators.
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