New York Limos To Go Hybrid By 2009
March 5, 2008
Pending a successful vote by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), New York City will require that all private-hire limousines must increase their fuel efficiency levels to 25 mpg by 2009 and 30 mpg by 2010. Approximately 10,000 “black cars” are on the road today.
Late last year, the TLC voted to require all yellow taxis licensed after October 1, 2008 to meet higher fuel efficiency standards. Yellow taxis currently on the road are not required to meet the fuel efficiency standards until 2012.
To meet the 25/30-mpg requirements, the vehicles must use hybrid engine technologies. Black cars with conventional engines average 12-15 mpg in city driving conditions. The new standards are designed to reduce the vehicles’ CO2 emissions, which currently account for about 2 percent of the city’s overall CO2 emissions. The new regulations for private-hire limousines also mandate a phased retirement cycle for existing vehicles that do not meet the new fuel efficiency standards. The retirement plan calls for most black cars currently in operation to be off the road by 2013.
The black cars are predominantly Lincoln Town Cars. Commercially produced vehicles that currently meet the new NYC private-hire standard are the Toyota Camry and Highlander hybrids, the Nissan Altima hybrid, and the Mercury Mariner hybrid. The Lexus Rx400h, the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Prius may also meet the fuel economy standards.
In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, the regulations are expected to cut gasoline costs for the vehicles by about 50%. Currently, vehicle owners spend about $10,000 annually on fuel for their black cars.
To ease the cost of purchasing replacement vehicles, the city is working with banks to offer special financing to drivers. Two major car dealers in the city have also offered special financing packages to drivers who are ready to turn in their older vehicles for hybrids.
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