Portland Taxi Service To Use Tesla Model S

August 23rd, 2013 by Guest Contributor

Originally published on Gas2

by Christopher DeMorro

On one hand, most electric cars are unlikely candidates for taxi service, with their limited driving range and long recharge times. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S is unlike any other electric car on the market, and it may be very well suited for livery work. Portland, Oregon-based Tesla Trips is set to find out thanks to their newly-granted livery license.

Tesla Trips got its start offering chauffeured wine, beer, and tourist tours throughout the Oregon countryside in the well-appointed Model S sedans, but they recently applied for a livery license as well. That license was granted, allowing Tesla Trips to also act as an on-call taxi service.

On paper, the Model S sounds like an excellent premium livery vehicle. The 85 kWh Model S is rated at 265 miles per charge, and the Supercharger service means a full, free charge in just an hour’s time. The Model S can also seat up to seven people, if you include the rear-jumper seats, and the long-wheelbase design gives passengers plenty of room. That has entrepreneurs from coast to coast looking to launch their own Tesla fleet service.

Companies in California have also started using the Tesla Model S, albeit in limited numbers, to provide livery service to the locals.

Source: Green Car Reports









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