The next cab you catch in New York could be electric as the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission has approved the Tesla Model 3 as a yellow cab.
The move was first reported by Electrek after receiving an image from areader, but the car doesn’t appear on the agency’s approved vehicles list online. However, we reached out to the Taxi & Limousine Commission and their press deputy, Allan Fromberg, confirmed to Carscoops that the “Tesla Model 3 has indeed been approved for use as a NYC Taxicab.”
This is notable as the Model 3 is the only electric vehicle on the approved list. It joins an assortment of other eco-friendly models such as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Other approved hybrid models include the Lincoln MKZ and Lexus RX 450h as well as an assortment of Toyota vehicles such as the Avalon, Camry, Prius, Highlander and RAV4.
Also Read: Driven – 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Charged With Appeal
While the Model 3 was recently approved for taxi use in New York, Tesla vehicles have already been transporting customers in a variety of different markets. The Netherlands was said to have one of the largest Tesla taxi fleets in 2017 and, in that same year, Dubai revealed plans to have a fleet of 200 Tesla taxis.
Of course, it will be interesting to see if taxi companies continue to embrace Tesla vehicles as automaker effectively wants to put them out of business. During this year’s Autonomy Day event, CEO Elon Musk revealed plans to launch a robotaxi service in the United States next year. The service is designed to operate without drivers and would instead rely on the company’s autonomous driving technology.
Note: Opening picture is our own quick Photoshop effort and not the actual Tesla Model 3 taxi cab
