A newer, greener taxi is taking to the New York City streets. In honor of Earth Day, Nissan Motors (NSANY) has collaborated with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to launch several new electric taxis. The cabs will be launched as part of Nissan's Leaf line, an initiative to help raise public awareness on zero-emission vehicles and their potential effect on urban areas.
Nissan's vice president for commercial vehicles, Joe Castelli, spoke optimistically on the new changes, saying a continued relationship with New York City will "help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications." Bloomberg, meanwhile, is confident that the Leaf line will help expedite plans to "achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020."
The Nissan Leaf has sold nearly 60,000 units worldwide, making it the best-selling pure electric vehicle in the world. According to Nissan's website, the car is powered by an 80kW AC motor, in conjunction with energy produced by a 48-module lithium-ion battery. The New York City-based Leafs will include CHAdeMo-based quick chargers, which allow the cabs to be recharged to 80% within a half-hour.