In light of pressing issues such as climate change and air pollution, Istanbul unveiled its first electric taxis on Friday morning.

Three electric taxis will hit the streets of Istanbul this week, with around 500-600 more cabs planned to enter service by the end of 2017.

Beyoğlu Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan attended the event to learn about the new vehicles at a meeting of the Chamber of Istanbul Taxi Drivers in Taksim Square.

Noting that the city needs more environmentally-friendly vehicles, Demircan said, "It's clear that the mankind needs vehicles that are more sustainable, more sensitive to the environment and less polluting in the world. It's beautiful that Turkish taxi drivers have such sensitivity to this issue."



After learning more about the vehicles from the drivers present at the ceremony, Demircan made a quick tour of the square in one of the electric taxis.

Sales representative Viacheslav Luchnykov explained that the taxis can travel 300 kilometers on a fully charged battery, with a top speed of 140 kilometers per hour.

Noting that the vehicles' slim profile and spacious interior make them ideal for the roads and traffic of Istanbul, Luchnykov added that they have made special discounts for the prices.



"We prepared a package deal that includes everything for the drivers." Luchnykov said, adding that the exclusive deal allows drivers to make monthly payments and enables them to benefit from the periodic maintenance of the vehicle, charge stations, motor insurance and roadside assistance.