Jakarta can save lives by switching to electric taxis now
- Transportation contributes significantly to Jakarta's air pollution, accounting for 44% of emissions.
- The introduction of electric taxis has successfully reduced CO2 emissions by 100,000 tons annually in Vietnam.
- Electrifying Jakarta's taxi fleet can significantly alleviate the city's pollution crisis and improve air quality.
Indonesia suffers from severe air pollution, primarily due to transportation, which accounts for approximately 44% of the emissions in Jakarta. The city has about 24 million vehicles on its roads, releasing harmful substances that contribute to public health issues. Recent calls have been made to electrify the taxi fleet in Jakarta, drawing inspiration from successful electric taxi implementations in cities such as Hanoi, Vietnam. The Xanh SM electric taxi service, which started in Vietnam in 2023, has expanded significantly, covering 56 out of 63 provinces. Its efforts have successfully reduced carbon emissions by an impressive 100,000 tons annually, equivalent to what 4.7 million trees can absorb. This evidence suggests that the adoption of electric taxis could address Jakarta's pollution crisis effectively. The implementation of low-emission zones and stringent emissions testing also fosters a cleaner environment by promoting electric vehicles as preferable alternatives to conventional gasoline-powered options. Furthermore, studies indicate that transitioning to electric vehicles can lead to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, as highlighted by a recent analysis showing an average decrease of 8.72 kilograms of CO2 per vehicle each month.