What is the Chinese electric car that could arrive to renew the fleet of Buenos Aires taxis?

A few days ago, the Federation of Taxi Drivers held an event at its Caballito headquarters presenting to its members the WORLD D1a Chinese electric car designed exclusively for passenger transport service.

The project of the union led by José Ibarra is power renew the Buenos Aires taxi fleet with the incorporation of the Chinese model.

The union leader highlighted the site Infogremiales that before the pandemic the taxi fleet was one of the most modern, averaging 10 years old. But it has been aging until it reaches 14 years.

For the project to become a reality, the union seeks that both the Buenos Aires government and Banco Ciudad promote tax exemptions and financing plans, as well as the development of a charging network.

“For some time now, our organization has been looking for different vehicle alternatives to develop a plan for electric taxis in Buenos Aires. We contacted BYD in China and they offered us this version of the D1, manufactured especially for use as a taxi,” Ibarra told place Motor1 Argentina.

At the event, a black and yellow BYD D1 unit was displayed so that members could see it personally.

The D1 is a compact minivan a few centimeters longer, wider than the Chevrolet Spin and with a longer wheelbase, achieving ample interior space.

One of its peculiarities is that the rear door on the right side is sliding (electric), which makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit. The left, for its part, is conventional.

It is equipped with a 130 horsepower electric motor, powered by a 53.5 kWh battery that allows it autonomy close to 400 kilometers.

BYD highlights that in a fast charger you only need 20 minutes to achieve a range of 100 kilometers.

According to the leader, the BYD D1 is a taxi “very tested and recommended by professionals around the world, with specific upholstery and equipment that meets the needs of members, an operating cost is very low and maintenance is very simple”.

BYD is marketed in different Latin American markets. Specifically in Brazil, the D1 entered the transportation market through the company “99”, dedicated to renting vehicles for application drivers.