New York votes blocking new licenses for electric taxis

In New York City, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) voted to block new licenses for electric rental vehicles. The decision frustrates Revel, a mobility startup known for its fleet of electric scooters. The company planned a fleet of 50 Tesla Model Y taxis.

However, the reasons for the veto are imprecise. It is generally difficult to obtain a taxi and a rental driver’s license in New York. Revel then planned to take advantage of the EV exemption, with the goal of accelerating EV adoption in the city.

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As soon as Revel’s plans with the Tesla fleet were revealed, the watchdog agency announced the end of the exemption. Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk, president of TLC, highlighted the concern about the increase in traffic jams in the city.

“It is not sustainable to allow an unlimited number of new vehicles to circulate in a city too familiar with traffic congestion. What we will not allow is the opportunity for another company, venture capitalists or not, to flood our streets with additional cars, ”he said.

Now, TLC suggests that Revel buy gasoline taxi licenses. The agency says the company can operate if it buys the 50 gasoline cars and exchanges licenses for electric vehicles. There were 5 votes to 1 to end the exemption. Only one representative from the Bronx, an activist, supported the rollout of emission-free cars.

Frank Reig, Revel’s chief executive, did not skimp on criticism of the commission. He noted that the company offers something that TCL has been asking for for years, such as fair treatment and a constant salary for drivers and a plan to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the city.

“The commissioners saw nearly three hours of statements from all sides, but without asking questions and without spending time deliberating before making a political decision with far-reaching consequences,” Reig said in a statement.

Revel earlier this year began efforts to build the fleet of Tesla Model Y taxis. The startup modified the vehicle, adding a screen to the rear seat and removing the front passenger seat, increasing legroom.

Via: The Verge / Electrek

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