KATHMANDU: Beijing has introduced a new rule that bans ICE cars from joining online taxi services, as part of China’s continued push to promote EVs.
The decision came into effect on July 20, as reported by China Automotive News. Under the new rule, drivers can no longer register new fuel powered vehicles for online taxi services.
This move follows earlier steps taken by the city to phase out older petrol cars with low emission standards from taxi operations. Now, even newly purchased petrol cars are not allowed to join the ride-hailing fleet.
Several drivers have reported receiving notifications informing them that their petrol cars do not comply with the updated guidelines. They were advised to switch to electric vehicles, which are easily recognized by their green number plates.
Beijing is not alone in this shift. Other cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan and Xi’an have already implemented similar policies.
As a result of these changes, more electric cars are now being used as taxis, supporting the country’s push towards cleaner, energy-efficient transportation.
