From 1 November, all taxis in Oslo must be electric, as the city’s environmental regulations come into effect.
This requirement was adopted by the city council four years ago, in September 2020.
Oslo municipality’s taxi regulations now state that “taxis operating in Oslo cannot produce emissions from combustion engines after 1 November 2024.”
There is an exception, but the journey must go to a place outside the municipal border.
“This environmental requirement was announced four years ago. It’s both necessary and important that it now comes into effect,” says Per Maltun, Board Member at Norsk elbilforening (Norwegian EV Association).
“There are many taxis in Oslo. Fully electrifying the taxi fleet contributes to a better urban environment and helps Oslo reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector,” he adds.
Drivers fear a charging crisis
Taxi drivers themselves are not as optimistic and have previously warned of a charging crisis.
Earlier this autumn, taxi driver and head of the Oslo division of the Norwegian Taxi Association, Anne Karlsen Hove, told Aftenposten:
“We don’t believe it’s sensible for all taxis to be zero-emission from 1 November. In the worst case, there could be a taxi crisis this winter because there won’t be enough charging capacity.”
They are pushing to delay the requirement until 2027.
Some taxi owners have also threatened legal action against Oslo municipality, arguing that the city has not met its obligations before implementing the requirement.
“It’s important to avoid charging chaos in the capital, and Oslo municipality must ensure there are enough chargers for both taxis and other electric transport,” says Maltun of the Electric Vehicle Association.
Earlier this year, a charging facility exclusively for taxis was opened in Skøyen, Oslo.
Rejecting Delays
Oslo municipality has rejected any delay, and City Councillor for Environment and Transport, Marit Vea (Green Party), told Aftenposten that the zero-emissions requirement remains in place.
Regarding charging, she says:
“I still want close cooperation with the taxi industry now that the zero-emissions requirement is coming into effect. Electric vehicles need chargers, and the municipality will work to further accelerate the development of charging infrastructure.”
