FIJI’S only electric vehicle (EV) taxi will be allowed to charge passengers normal taxi fares despite enjoying significant cost savings on fuel.
In time however, this will change, according to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Fiji’s public transport fare regulator.
“FCCC acknowledges the need for a taxi fare regime that accommodates EV taxis, irrespective of the number of vehicles currently in operation,” the FCCC said, in response to questions sent by The Fiji Times.
“We understand the significant advantages of EVs, including the very low cost of charging, as you mentioned. However, considering the current market size of EV taxis in Fiji, it is important to strike a balance between encouraging investment in EVs and implementing regulations. At this stage, the FCCC has not extensively examined this area, given the limited number of EV taxis on the roads.”
The EV taxi, owned and operated by Vesi Taxi in Suva, was initially brought to Fiji by the owner of Leaf Capital, which is building Fiji’s first user-pay EV fast-charging infrastructure under its SWITCH Network trade name.
Leaf Capital owner and director Alex Reddaway, owner had said that prior to selling the taxi to Vesi, the company had initially used it to determine the cost of charging an EV using its supercharger.
“We found that the taxi uses the equivalent of 7.5c/km compared to 22-30c for a petrol vehicle.”
Last month, the driver of the taxi said it cost him $7 to charge the battery to full capacity, enough to run the taxi over 150 kilometres, equivalent to a drive from Suva to Sigatoka.
The regulator, FCCC, is letting things be for now but has indicated that intervention will depend on the growth of EV taxis on the road.
“FCCC recognises the importance of continuously monitoring and evaluating market dynamics to ensure a fair and sustainable transportation ecosystem,” the FCCC stated.
“As the market for EVs expands and the number of EV taxis increases, FCCC will proactively assess the need for a specific taxi fare regime for EVs. Our aim is to create an environment that incentivise the adoption of EVs while ensuring fair pricing structures for both operators and passengers.”
The Consumer Council of Fiji is also keeping an open mind.
“Equating taxi fares for electric and fuel vehicles may have positive implications for the wider adoption of EVs by service providers. If the taxi fare for EVs is lowered, it will discourage adoption of these vehicles by taxi service providers. Hence, for now, the same taxi fare pricing structure encourages more people to experience the benefits of sustainable transportation and supports the ongoing transition to a greener future,” said CEO Seema Shandil.