Gravity, a company that specializes in EV fleets and charging infrastructure, has reportedly brought the popular Ford Mustang Mach-E to join New York City’s iconic yellow taxi fleet. This is the first time Ford’s mass-market electric vehicle has been employed as a taxi.

The company is also planning to operate a fleet of 50 EVs in the city that involves the Tesla Model Ys and the Mustang Mach-Es in the ensuing years. It is worth noting that Gravity is not the first to employ EVs as taxis.

New York-based Taxi and Limousine Commission sanctioned the Tesla Model 3 as its first EV as a yellow taxi back in 2019, with the first Model 3 being spotted in the city a year later. Even the moped sharing firm Revel announced plans of launching a fleet of at least 50 Tesla Model Ys as for-hire vehicles in Manhattan.

But what makes Gravity unique is its approach of integrating EVs into New York’s regulated yellow cab fleet. For those unaware, vehicles are permitted to be used as taxies as per an EV trial program that was approved by the TLC.

Gravity would need to obtain a taxi medallion, which is essentially a city-issued authorization that enables people to own as well as operate taxis. Apart from this, although the Mustang Mach-E has cleared TLC inspections, integrating taxi-based features would require further approval.

For instance, Gravity has equipped an artificial intelligence-powered camera that can track the driver’s face to prevent any distractions. The company will also monitor vehicle speeds as well as other driving patterns to ensure high operational safety.

It is also worth mentioning that the EV charging infrastructure in New York City is still scarce. Gravity operates its charging station from a parking space in Midtown Manhattan, with additional plans of installing more chargers in the future that will also include 350 kW fast-chargers.

Source Credits –

https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/20/22846324/ford-mustang-mach-e-yellow-taxi-nyc-gravity