FREENOW partners with Tesla to drive electric taxi revolution in Ireland
FREENOW has unveiled a new exclusive partnership with Tesla, aimed at accelerating the shift to electric vehicles among its taxi driver partners.
The incentive offers up to €5,400 off the price of a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, providing a significant boost for drivers looking to upgrade to electric. When coupled with the eSPSV grant scheme, drivers could save up to €26,590 on the transition to a new electric taxi.
The drive towards electrification is gaining traction across Ireland. On average, FREENOW adds 13 battery electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet every week. In the first half of 2024, 14% of all FREENOW journeys were made in EVs, with the number of electric drivers rising by nearly 11% during this period. Last year in Dublin, almost half of all FREENOW vehicles were either electric or hybrid, highlighting a clear push towards sustainability.
This collaboration aligns with the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) new Sustainability Strategy, which aims for 40% of all taxis in Ireland to be sustainable by 2030. The NTA's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting greener transport solutions across the country is a key driver of this initiative, helping to create a more sustainable taxi industry.
FREENOW drivers can choose between the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y under this scheme. Both models are available in either long-range or rear-wheel drive options, catering to drivers’ diverse needs. The Tesla Model Y, which was the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023, stands out for its spacious interior, 5-star NCCAP safety rating, and economical charging rates. Tesla’s Supercharger network also provides rapid charging, offering up to 241 km of range in just 15 minutes—an essential feature for keeping taxis on the move.
Cost efficiency is a major factor behind the electric shift. An average Irish taxi covers around 32,600 km per year. For a petrol vehicle, this means an annual fuel cost of roughly €4,500. In contrast, a Tesla Model Y brings this cost down to €2,700 per year, while the Model 3 drops it even further to €2,100. These savings can grow with overnight EV tariffs for home charging, presenting a compelling case for drivers to make the switch.
Danny O’Gorman, newly appointed General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, said: “We’re excited to announce this new partnership with Tesla, which offers an exclusive incentive that makes driving an EV even more affordable for our driver partners. At FREENOW, we continue to take a considerate and comprehensive approach to sustainability. The National Transport Authority has also set ambitious sustainability goals, which we are committed to supporting as Ireland’s No. 1 taxi app.
“Every part of the transport ecosystem has a role to play in reducing emissions, and we see the switch to electric taxi fleets as a huge opportunity for rapid, meaningful change. Our partnership with Tesla is another key step in helping our drivers make this important transition."
Melanie Naughton, Country Lead at Tesla Ireland, said: “Creating this opportunity for FREENOW taxi drivers is a significant step in actioning our mission here in Ireland. In two weeks, we have received over 450 requests from drivers across the country, showing a real demand for affordable high-performance EVs. We look forward to introducing more drivers to our vehicles and further contributing to Ireland’s transition to sustainable energy.”
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