Electric Taxis Coming to NYC?

Hybrid Technologies, whom we first heard from awhile back when they announced plans for electric smart cars, are branching out into all-electric taxis in New York. Pending negotiations with New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), the fleet of Chrysler PT Cruisers taxis will help the TLC continue in the green direction started by the hybrid taxis that went into service last year. The lithium PT Cruisers, already being produced by Hybrid Technologies for Paratransit, a large, California-based transportation non-profit, use a 320V battery pack that offers a cycle life of more than 1,500 charges. According to the company, the taxi has a range of up to 150 miles, and can be fully charged in 5 - 6 hours using a conventional 110 volt current. With the success of the hybrid taxis in New York, we've got our fingers crossed that their all-electric counterparts will pass muster with the Commission and keep New York's yellow cabs looking more green. ::Hybrid Technologies via ::Green Car Congress