Recently, there has been a lot of talk about electric taxis in Indonesia, mainly because of their more stable fares compared to other taxis. Currently, Xanh SM operates around 1,000 electric taxis in Jakarta. The company targets the number of its electric taxi fleet to reach around 10,000 units by 2025, depending on market demand. Although electric taxis have been around for several years, the trend of electric taxis has been gaining popularity lately. This has certainly made many people start looking at them as a more cost-effective transportation alternative. 

For example, Xanh SM, an electric taxi from Vietnam, will start operating in Jakarta in December 2024. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but the fares are also quite competitive. For the first kilometer alone, the fare is only Rp 9,600, and Rp 5,800 for the next kilometer. This affordable fare is why many people choose electric taxis over regular taxis. In addition, the lower operating costs of electric vehicles do allow them to offer cheaper prices.

Meanwhile, the VinFast VF e34, the electric car used by Xanh SM, has the added appeal of modern design and advanced technology. Its existence makes it easier for people to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles, especially at a price that is not much different from conventional taxis. This makes electric taxis a more cost-effective option amidst rising fuel costs.

Figure 1 VinFast VF e34

In addition to more stable fares, the ease of booking is also an attraction. Simply download the Xanh SM app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and users can easily book an electric taxi. The flexible payment system also makes the driving experience more practical. Users only need to select the pick-up location and destination, and the electric taxi will come to pick them up. 

In addition to Xanh SM, Bluebird has also started issuing electric taxis as part of their efforts to support sustainability. They are already testing electric taxis in Jakarta and plan to increase the number of their electric fleet. By working with several electric car manufacturers, Bluebird aims to introduce electric vehicles in their taxi service, offering a more environmentally friendly transportation alternative at competitive rates. This is an important step for Bluebird in responding to the growing market demand for electric vehicle-based transportation.

Figure 2 Electric Taxi Bluebird

Grab has also started introducing electric taxis in Indonesia as part of its commitment to supporting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The company plans to gradually expand its electric taxi fleet, offering more affordable fares and a more cost-effective transportation alternative for the public. This move is also in line with Grab's efforts to strengthen electric vehicle infrastructure in Indonesia, including the provision of charging stations at various strategic points.

Figure 3 Grabcar Electric

By 2024, Grab purchased 1,000 electric cars, mostly from the BYD brand, to be used as their online taxi fleet. This purchase includes the more efficient and eco-friendly M6 MPV model, which further supports Grab's vision of introducing electric vehicles in their taxi services. With the growing selection of electric taxis from Xanh SM, Bluebird, and Grab, consumers now have more environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation options. This initiative makes it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles, which is expected to help reduce air pollution in big cities and support sustainability.

So, if you're looking for a cheap, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation alternative, an electric taxi could be the right choice. In the future, we may see more and more electric taxis filling the streets of big cities, and that could be good news for our environment!