Volkswagen used the HANNOVER MESSE 2010 in Hannover, Germany to introduce a concept version of its Milano Taxi. This concept EV is intended for taxi companies and transit systems looking for zero-emissions units. Volkswagen noted in its presentation that this concept will be turned into a production model starting at the end of 2013. The VW Milano Taxi was part of a study by the automaker into the benefits of zero-emissions taxis and other public transit vehicles to cities worldwide.
This all-electric taxi takes its compact design from the VW Samba model that was prominent in the 1950s. The Milano Taxi is powered by an electric motor with a maximum output of 85kW as well as a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. VW notes that the Milano Taxi can achieve a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour, which will be more than enough for urban taxi routes. Based on this speed, this EV concept can travel up to 186 miles between charges. The projected time for an 80% charge is one hour, setting the Milano Taxi ahead of the pack in terms of charging speed.
The VW Milano Taxi seems to be as friendly on prospective passengers as it is on the environment. VW designers installed LCD display screens in the backs of each front seat to provide information to passengers. This LCD display can be customized to show a route map and a running tally of the taxi ride’s cost. Rear seat passengers will also be able to manipulate heating and air conditioning using touchscreen elements of these displays. VW also installed a single sliding door on the passenger side that is designed for easy loading and unloading from street curbs.
European taxi companies will no doubt consider purchasing VW Milano Taxis as soon as they roll off the production line in 2013. The automaker’s reputation for quality models along with its recent successes in cleaning up its traditional models lends credibility to this model. The sleek look, zero-emissions operation and advanced features would be welcome improvements on the traditional taxi. We will need to wait for VW’s pricing on the Milano Taxi but it is likely to be close enough to traditional pricing to warrant an investment. If the Milano Taxi can hold up during the day-to-day rigors of taxi driving, the additional premium on the sticker price will be worthwhile for smart business owners.
