Since the launch of electric vehicles based on the E-GMP platform, the number of registered electric taxis has increased by 13 times.
The excellence of Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicles featuring the exclusive E-GMP platform has once again been proven through the taxi industry. Positive testimonials regarding the high product quality and durability of E-GMP electric cars have led to a booming transition to electric vehicles in the sector.
According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association, from 2021 to 2023, the total number of electric taxis registered in Korea has reached 33,400, with the release of Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, both exclusive electric vehicles based on the E-GMP platform. In this same period, a total of 111,583 new taxis were registered, meaning electric taxis account for about 30% of all new registrations.
Before the launch of E-GMP, the proportion of electric vehicles among newly registered taxis stood at 2.3% over the three years from 2018 to 2020, indicating a nearly 13-fold increase after the introduction of E-GMP exclusive electric vehicles.
Over the past three years, the most frequently registered electric taxi model is the Ioniq 5, with 14,804 units registered, followed by the EV6 (7,353 units) and Ioniq 6 (3,913 units), resulting in these three E-GMP-based models representing 78% of all electric taxis registered during this period. This means three out of four taxi drivers considering electric vehicle purchases have chosen E-GMP-based electric cars.
Additionally, the Kia Niro Plus (4,237 units) and Niro EV (2,571 units) ranked as the third and fifth most registered, while the Hyundai Kona Electric (446 units) came in sixth, reflecting that internal combustion engine variants from Hyundai and Kia are also being favorably selected within the taxi industry due to their commendable product quality.
The notably high selection rate of electric vehicles by taxi drivers, who spend most of their day inside a vehicle, is significant.
Currently, the only models operated in taxi service trim by Hyundai Motor Group are the Ioniq 5 and Niro Plus; however, an increasing number of taxi drivers are purchasing vehicles intended for general customers, such as the EV6 and Ioniq 6, and modifying them for their taxi operations.
A taxi industry insider stated about E-GMP electric vehicles, “They boast excellent driving range and efficiency, a 400V/800V multi-rapid charging system, as well as performance and quietness as strengths,” and added, “In addition to the common advantages of low fuel and maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles, the remarkable product quality of E-GMP has improved the quality of taxi operations.”
Given the daily operational characteristics of taxis, there is an increasing number of taxi drivers logging accumulative mileages of over 200,000 km and 300,000 km, thereby personally demonstrating the durability of electric vehicles.
Taxi driver Kim Byung-chul (50) purchased an EV6 in September 2021 and has driven approximately 310,000 km over the span of 2 years and 8 months. After a recent battery diagnostic test, the battery lifespan (SOH, State of Health) of the EV6 exceeded 310,000 km and recorded a remarkable 97.3%, indicating that it remains in nearly new condition.
Kim stated, “Even after driving over 300,000 km, all performance metrics, including driving range, feel just like a new car,” adding, “I believe it’s primarily due to my slow charging habits, but because it’s a vehicle based on an electric vehicle exclusive platform, various features like the battery management system (BMS) are working together effectively to help maintain the vehicle itself.”
Additionally, Kim shared his thoughts on rapid charging experiences and long-distance travel, dismissing the stereotype that ‘electric vehicles are unfavorable for long journeys.’ He said, “During long-distance routes, such as trips between Daegu and Incheon International Airport, I also use rapid charging,” and added, “Recently, the number of chargers at highway rest areas has greatly increased, and with higher charging outputs, there’s absolutely no burden for long-distance driving.”
Taxi driver Lim Chae-min (68), who purchased an Ioniq 5 and has driven about 200,000 km, lauded E-GMP electric vehicles for their top-tier energy efficiency and economic viability. He stated, “The Ioniq 5’s actual driving range and efficiency are significantly higher than the official certified figure (429 km, based on the 2022 long-range model),” explaining that, “Fuel costs have dropped to one-third or less compared to operating LPG vehicles.”
Further praises for low maintenance costs were offered. Lim mentioned, “Electric vehicles not only have low fuel costs but also require fewer consumables than internal combustion vehicles, reducing maintenance costs, and I almost never have to visit repair shops, saving time as well.”
Lim also proudly shared that the brake pads are still in a new condition, stating, “The brake pads are as they were when the car was first delivered,” and mentioned, “Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles offer various regenerative braking modes, and the seamless acceleration and deceleration of regenerative braking have remarkably reduced pad wear,” expressing his satisfaction.
Both taxi drivers interviewed unanimously attributed their ability to cover distances of 200,000 and 300,000 km over a span of just two years to the “E-GMP electric vehicles.” They remarked, “Because electric cars have no engine noise and vibration, the interior remains quiet, reducing driver fatigue, and the outstanding driving performance of E-GMP vehicles minimizes stress during uphill climbs and overtaking situations.”
A Hyundai Motor Group representative remarked, “We take pride in providing taxi drivers, whose vehicles are both their offices and source of income, with a positive electric vehicle experience,” adding, “The positive experiences of taxi drivers, who operate electric vehicles for longer periods than anyone else, will help dispel public misunderstandings about electric vehicles and accelerate electrification.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group has successfully entered the electric vehicle market with E-GMP and has swept a total of 13 awards from world-renowned automotive award ceremonies, including the World Car Awards, North American Car of the Year, and European Car of the Year, with 30 out of 30 awards awarded based on E-GMP electric vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric vehicles based on E-GMP also include the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6, as well as the Kia EV3, EV9, and Genesis GV60.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr