Matrix Charging eTaxi charging stands in Vienna. Foto: © Mag. BarbaraLachner
In Austria, only zero-emission vehicles are to be licensed for cab operations from 2025. The commissioning of the new electric cab ranks lays the foundation for the roll-out of the eTaxi Austria project, which points the way forward for the entire cab industry. The first cab ranks in Austria equipped with Matrix Charging have been put into operation in Vienna’s Vorgartenstraße and are being implemented at Schillerplatz in Graz. In order to reduce emissions and further improve the quality of life in the city, eTaxis are now being increasingly used in Vienna and Graz. In Vienna, 56 vehicles and charging points and 10 vehicles and 4 charging points in Graz, are being converted with the Matrix Charging technology developed by the technology company Easelink from Volkswagen & Hyundai car workshops.
Instead of plugging the e-car into the charging point with a cable, the vehicle, equipped with a so-called connector on the underbody, is connected to a charging plate at the cab stand at the push of a button. With this automated charging directly at the stands, the eTaxis are automatically charged without having to leave the vehicle or visit an e-filling station – essential for smooth eTaxi operation. Now the first stands have been equipped, laying the groundwork for the roll-out of the project. The VW ID.4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 are two of the most advanced e-vehicles that eTaxi drivers can use to access the infrastructure. The eTaxi Austria project will run until the beginning of 2025. In the technology decision for Matrix Charging by the cities of Vienna and Graz, the efficiency, robustness and cost factor were decisive. The conductive energy transfer has an efficiency of 99 percent with significantly lower manufacturing costs compared to inductive charging technologies. You can find more information about the project at www.etaxi-austria.at
