Green Calgary, in partnership with Darryl Kolewaski from Electric Car Management and Matt Grace, a consultant with 30 years of experience in sustainable solutions, is working to increase the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in private taxi fleets in Calgary and Edmonton. The project aims to address questions and assumptions taxi operators have about transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EV fleets. Engagement activities will be developed to break down real and perceived barriers. The results will support taxi drivers in making the switch and help both cities achieve their zero-emission targets.

The EV taxi project identified one of the biggest barriers to transitioning: a lack of information to make informed decisions. Outreach to taxi drivers and fleets in Calgary and Edmonton revealed knowledge gaps about the cost of transitioning, available EV infrastructure and other key information. Follow-up initiatives included the creation of educational guides distributed to taxi drivers and operators. These resources addressed information gaps, enabling knowledge-sharing in a largely under-researched area. The project laid a foundation for EV adoption in taxi fleets, an important step toward standardizing EVs in Alberta's transportation sector.

Further outreach and education are needed to accelerate the transition to EVs among taxi fleets. Peer-to-peer marketing has proven particularly effective, as information from industry colleagues builds trust and makes the case for EVs more compelling. Alberta Ecotrust should consider supporting additional initiatives, with a focus on ensuring resources are accessible to English language learners (ELL) and speakers of English as a second language (ESL).

Building on initial studies and outreach conducted between 2023 and 2024 (Phase 1), the next phase will focus on EV infrastructure. The project will gather data on available charging stations, identify installation options and explore incentives. A comprehensive toolkit will be developed to guide drivers in transitioning to EVs while also facilitating peer-to-peer marketing among taxi drivers.

Key partners will include airport authorities, major hotels frequented by drivers and the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Phase 1 confirmed that most drivers are interested in EVs but lack the necessary information to consider them viable. The EV driver toolkit will address this knowledge barrier, providing accessible information on the ‘what, how and why’ of EVs. The toolkit will also serve as a marketing guide, encouraging EV drivers to recruit colleagues and build a network of EV taxi and rideshare operators.

The project will also produce detailed case studies on the use of EVs as taxis and rideshares in Calgary and Edmonton. These studies will summarize costs, incentives and infrastructure needs, creating a knowledge base for municipalities to improve EV infrastructure and support zero-emission vehicle transitions.

The project will involve research on current charging infrastructure and the specific needs of rideshare drivers. Customized training and toolkits will be developed, and drivers will be compensated for their participation. Trained drivers will recruit colleagues and help identify barriers and opportunities within the sector. The toolkit will streamline recruitment and data collection to ensure project success.