Jorge Cristóbal Roman, an eMobility taxi driver in Madrid, is a staunch advocate for electric vehicles: under the name “JCTaxiElectrico“ across various social media platforms, he has also built a career as an influencer in the sector.
There, he shares his experience as an electric driver, and although it is generally positive, he points out that “the biggest challenge for taxi drivers is after-sales service and the complexity of charging apps.”
“The after-sales service, both from Tesla and other brands, leaves a lot to be desired. Problems with service and spare parts can be frustrating, especially for those who rely on these vehicles for their daily work,” he explains.
Similarly, the YouTuber highlights how the transition to an electric car has improved his daily routine.
“The ability to charge at home and not rely on petrol stations is incredible. Before, with the combustion car, I had to go to the service station every two days. Now, I come home, plug it in, and the next day it’s fully charged,” he comments to Mobility Portal España.
This convenience is crucial to his work, allowing him to operate every day without the restrictions imposed on combustion taxis.
In one of his most recent videos, he provides an in-depth comparison of five zero-emission models from different brands used by his colleagues, highlighting key features such as prices, consumption, and range.
This valuable content has gained traction on social media, especially due to the lack of other individuals offering similar analyses.
For this reason, JCTaxiElectrico has reached 4,300 subscribers on YouTube, 1,304 followers on Instagram, and 1,256 on TikTok.
It’s worth noting that when talking about the transition, Roman mentions that zero-emission vehicles offer certain advantages beyond charging at home.
In Madrid, for instance, eTaxis can operate every day of the year, a significant benefit compared to combustion cars, which have mandatory rest days.
Additionally, in the Community of Madrid, electric taxis have full access to the city, while low-emission zones restrict the mobility of combustion cars.
Moreover, one of his guests in the video “2024 Electric Taxi Comparison” mentions that despite not yet receiving the government subsidies applied for two years ago, switching to an electric car allows him to estimate savings of “more than 3,000 euros per year.”
Tesla: A choice driven by comfort and efficiency
As the EV industry continues to evolve, JCTaxiElectrico closely follows innovations and improvements.
With a career that started with a Dacia Lodgy, Roman decided to make the leap into the world of electric mobility by opting for a Tesla Model 3, due to the advantages it offered him compared to a conventional Skoda, the other vehicle he considered when making the switch.
“I chose the Tesla because of the quick delivery and financing issues with the Skoda: the Model 3 was delivered to me in a month, whereas the Skoda would take a year,” he recalls.
Regarding other models, he mentions that the Tesla Model Y and Skoda ENYAQ are standout options for taxi service, but he also notes that the approval of new models and maintenance policies are crucial factors for mass adoption.
The reason for the prominence of Elon Musk’s company is that it has already made significant progress in Spain, surpassing 720 charging points across more than 75 stations nationwide.
Indeed, this summer, the company expanded its network with five new locations in strategic areas such as Vitoria, Valencia, Malaga, and Barcelona, bringing the total to 76 stations and 721 charging posts.
This growth highlights the American corporation’s commitment to continuously improving the charging infrastructure, making access to more sustainable and efficient mobility easier.
In addition, the company has begun upgrading some existing stations, incorporating next-generation chargers that allow faster and more convenient charging for users.
Roman emphasizes that these improvements are essential to support the transition to electric vehicles, especially for those, like him, who depend on one for their daily work.
Challenges and necessary improvements in charging infrastructure
Although Roman is satisfied with his Tesla, he acknowledges that challenges remain.
Despite the company’s efforts, charging points are a constant concern, especially in areas outside the city centre.
“Charging on the road can still be problematic. While there are chargers on almost every corner in Madrid, more remote areas often lack adequate infrastructure,” he comments.
Likewise, charging times remain a barrier.
JCTaxiElectrico reiterates his emphasis on the need to improve payment systems and simplify charging apps to make the user experience easier.
Roman continues to share his experiences and knowledge through his YouTube channel, where, in addition to highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure and after-sales support, he offers advice and details about using electric vehicles in the taxi industry.
In addition, he sheds light on individuals who use electric cars for their work and the challenges that may still exist within the sector in Spain.
