Seeing the financial benefits from the CEVS carbon emissions based
scheme, taxi companies in Singapore are experimenting with new
greener models like the Kia Optima, Hyundai i40 or even the Toyota
Camry Hybrid that could bring in as much as $30,000 in savings
through rebates.
Compared to private cars, taxis get a larger incentive starting
from $7,500 to a high amount of $30,000 if the model emit less than
160g/km of CO2. Like private cars, taxi companies will also be
charged extra tariffs of a similar range if their taxis emit more
than 160g/km CO2 from July 2013. In contrast, private cars recieve
$5,000 to $20,000 of rebates and pay a similar range of tariff for
the carbon emissions based CEVS scheme.
Since a month ago, Premier Taxis have been operating two Kia
Optima. The Optima has an emission rating of 128g/km, qualifying
for a $15,000 tax break - if registered in January 2013. The
largest taxi operator - ComfortDelGro - is also testing the Optima
on top of Hyundai i40's and Camry Hybrids. It is also believed
ComfortDelGro is looking to expand its green motoring fleet through
Euro V rated diesels and hybrid cars.
Diesel technology has improved over the years and is considered to
be green(er) than its petrol powered counterparts. Yet again,
diesel cars may still harm the environment with other pollutants
like nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide despite emitting lower carbon
dioxide.
Source: http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=7012
