Hamburg will be the first federal state to no longer allow combustion engine taxis from 2025. In the transport sector in particular, you have to make quick progress on climate protection, said Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks (Greens). “The end of combustion engines for Hamburg’s taxis is a good example of this.”
Switching to electric and hydrogen-powered taxis would already save 2,000 tons of CO2 every year. “If we electrify the entire fleet in Hamburg, it’s 25,000 tons a year,” said the senator. “We hope that this decision in Hamburg will have a signal effect – for Germany and all of Europe.”
Hamburg started in 2021 with the “Future Taxi” project to promote the switch to locally emission-free taxis. According to the authorities, there are currently over 350 such cars on the streets of Hamburg, 25 of which run on hydrogen. With a share of twelve percent of such less environmentally harmful vehicles, the Hamburg taxi fleet is already in the top position nationwide.
“Cheaper compared to combustion taxis”
The great demand for locally emission-free taxis shows “that the industry is ready and willing to leave the combustion engine age behind,” said Tjarks. From January 1, 2025 it should be over. “The e-taxis have also proven to be reliable, comfortable and cheaper to operate than the combustion-powered taxis.”
Industry representatives also described the “Future Taxi” project as a success. “We firmly believe that the future of our industry is electric and that this changeover date is feasible,” said Hansa Taxi CEO Thomas Lohse.
According to Alexander Mönch, head of FREE NOW Germany
