Investigating the Expansion of Battery Electric Vehicle Usage in for-hire Vehicle Fleets

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is the agency responsible for licensing and regulating New York City’s medallion taxi cabs, for-hire vehicles (FHVs)—which provide pre-arranged transportation throughout New York City—commuter vans, and paratransit vehicles. In response to the city’s ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, TLC is in the process of investigating how to expand Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) usage in FHV fleets. TLC engaged a Capstone team to investigate outcomes from the 2013 BEV pilot program, and research and recommend pathways toward higher BEV adoption in the future. The team studied driver incentive programs and researched BEV taxi programs and best practices around the world, cataloging existing electronic charging station infrastructure and vehicles, in the interest of providing informed recommendations to TLC in support of its sustainability goals.