Prime Taxis to roll out 30 hybrid cabs

last SG · 2009-12-11T03:37:45+00:00

Poolman the new prius is 1.8 and it even more economical by 15 % , so lets hope the next or other company will be using the latest model , Benq does the one...

QX179R SG

Prime Taxis to roll out 30 hybrid cabs on Saturday

SINGAPORE: Singapore will roll out its first batch of hybrid taxis on Saturday. Cab operator Prime Taxis is launching 30 environmentally friendly cabs that run on petrol and electric power.

The made-in-Japan hybrid taxis cost about S$80,000 each and their lithium-ion batteries last about five years.

Even though cabbies have to pay S$30 more per month for rental, Prime Taxis said on Friday they will end up saving about S$500 a month on fuel costs.

The company added that they will purchase more of the green cabs after assessing their popularity.

- CNA/so

Poolman SG

our BenQEpson is the only one here guinea pig that new machine .....

Soon we'll see him in that machine .

I expect praises than critics of this machine from him .

benqepson SG

ehhh my car going to come out on 1 dec 2009. Will give a field report .

chongctd SG

Hybird is the way forward, CNG???

Poolman SG

david , diesel ?

CNG = Hybrid .

Similiarity = Green .

Got that ?

Poolman SG

as long as Go Green , CNG and Hybrid is the way forward .

As long as it's environmental friendly , it's the way forward .

Diesel ? David ....

benqepson SG

Hi guys ! I collected my Prius taxi car on 1 Dec 2009. The car colour is the Prime dedicated colour. Originally it was supposed to be silver but was rejected by LTA . Interior is grey. Leather seats but no leather for the door panels and centre console.The dash panel is digital just like the new honda civic. Radio and a/c are all touch screen and can be control on the steering wheel.

So on 1 Dec 2009 only 4 hirers collect the Prius taxis . Before collecting we have to go through an induction course which takes abt 2 hours .Handing over of the vehicle takes another 30 mins.

The flag down fare for this Prius taxi starts at $3.00 . Current and advance booking is the same as Sonata taxi.

Since 1st day is free rental , I quickly done up my car . I went to 65 Syed Alwi Rd ( Kam Auto ) to buy some accessories like window visor, pedals makeover , sticky mats , door protecter , install reverse camera and boot tray.

Well there was 3/4 tank petrol left but I make it full . Cost abt $35 after site discount . Recently for Prime drivers we are given a new taxi Esso card . With this card we are given 5 % site discount and 10 % rebate( 1 month later by Prime credited to driver account ).

So on 2 Dec 2009 I managed to cover 500 km until the pump gauge drops to the same level I collected the car . Simply amazing . Its not even half tank. Its not accurate but will keep you guys updated .

Reliefdriver4u SG

Wow the FC is awesome !!!
Are you able to list down the T&C / rentals / benefits
so those intending to OMO got a choice ?

ALN SG

battery is the way to go lah…. not cng…

cng phui… haha

Poolman SG

BenQEpson , 500km on battery or on petrol ?

Oh i see , 500km , u mean .....used battery and petrol , same like 500km for $35 petrol used ?

Me 225 km , $21 CNG with discount .

Plus $3 Petrol .....

If 45o km , $42 , plus $6 petrol , total $48

So 500km will be around $50+ ....... on cng and petrol .

Yours is just $35 .....

Ok ...... daily save about $15 x 31 . Around $450 .

Rental $80 .....

Good deal to drive a Hybrid .

Downside : 5 years contract .

ALN SG

must wait for teo to calculate… haha

Teolk SG

must wait for teo to calculate… haha

hybrid taxi confirm fc way overtake petrol/cng/diesel

prime must have done their calculation b4 introduction

i hve friends driving private hybrid cars so far no complains

if it's other companies offering then i think i'll be very keen

i think even pool & alvin will also be keen,right guys?

ALN SG

i am keen on any auto taxi that is low rental, cheap fuel and convenient top up…. haha

ALN SG

so the prime hybrid rental is how much?

Poolman SG

$87 ....before GST i think .

Must wait BenQEpson confirm .

Poolman SG

Me for hybrid ?

No la ....

I will not go for something that tied me down .

Cannot go holiday , cannot find relief , cannot suka suka off , cannot resign , cannot MC . Must go servicing , repair ......all at my own expense .

Cos i know myself , every 3 years i change car .

I dislike being tied down by doing something the same for continuous 3 years .

No doubts cheaper FC , to me , CNG good enuf . environmental wise . I just paid a bit more for cleaner omissions , clean air .

And can suka suka see EPL on Saturday , suka suka go IMM do grocery shopping , for just $45 rental . Not $87 .

Ya man , i can afford $45 , too broke to afford $80+ .

Poolman SG

Like last month my dad passed away , so how ? Prime give me Compassionate Leave , no need pay rental ?

Comfort i know from the days i were hirer , got such benefits . 3 days Compassionate Leave , no need pay rental .

benqepson SG

Hi guys ! The rental is $87 inclusive of GST and the coy will save abt $2.60 of yr rental for your bonus after 5 years . This rental is the same as comfort toyota crown. I wished I should changed earlier.

Yes the car is running on petrol and hopefully the battery lifespan can last 5 years . As you know guys the car is using 2 type of battery. One for the car itself and the other is for accessories like starting up the car and the lightings.

If you need to go for holidays for 1 week just get a super relief or tell the coy that you want the coy to babysit yr taxi. You have to return personally the car and the coy will do whatever with your car within the week. Its quite a win-win arrangement. So that means your will be extended by another 1 week.

The deposit is $5k but if you dun have enuff you can work an arrangement with the coy. Min amount to put is $3k and everyday put $10 for 7 months. Also to forget there is a $100 admin fee so this is cheaper than borrow from loan sharks or using the credit card.

So after 3 years if you decided to quit from Prime, get someone to pay you the handing over of your taxi and all yr bonus will go to him. Its the same like how you buy a 2nd hand car in the market. There is $200 admin charge by the way .( The fees to be decided by both parties).

About compassionate leave I dun think there is any for this coy.Sorry guys . Will keep you posted if there is changes.

By the way my rental for 1st batch is cheaper then the 2nd batch. So do check it out with Prime. The coy is planning to come out 30 cars but if the respond is good it will be more. Nobody knows.

So if any member is serious abt signing up and also do their part of saving the environment, do let me know . We will split 50-50.(introduction bonus is $500). My email address is [email protected] So happy driving guys .

Cheers

Ah Soon.

ALN SG

ben, tell me ur fuel bill after some time hor… like 500km how much…. thanks….

benqepson SG

For $35 worth of petrol I can cover abt 500 km and I am pumping 92 grade of petrol.