The Toyota bZ4x joins the taxi fleet in Madrid and Barcelona

It is becoming increasingly common to come across electric cars offering taxi services in major cities. And the range of models homologated for this role is growing little by little, with new models joining the offer for public service. Toyota has announced that it has just homologated the Toyota bZ4X so that it can begin being used as a taxi in Madrid and Barcelona, making it available to professionals in the sector in these cities.

The brand has adapted the model to the regulations governing taxi services in these two cities, and both the Joint Service Areas (APC) of Madrid and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) have approved its use as a taxi model. In both cities, the Corolla Sedan Hybrid and the Proace TMPR already provide service.

The authorization covers the Advance and Style trim levels for use in Madrid, and the Style trim in Barcelona. The characteristics of the bZ4X make it a very practical vehicle for use as a taxi, with a battery that provides sufficient range to move around the city without problems, along with solutions that make the battery more efficient.

These improvements consist of a cooling and heating system for the battery pack, which improves charging times and the delivery of energy to the motors. As for the rest of the equipment, the Toyota bZ4X offers 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights that allow significant energy savings when active.

Inside, there is a screen for the digital instrument cluster measuring seven inches, and another dedicated to the information and entertainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The third-generation Toyota Safety Sense system serves the driver and makes navigating the city more comfortable and efficient.

As for the battery, it has a capacity that allows it to travel up to 685 kilometres in the city, with a range of up to 504 kilometres on the combined cycle, both under the WLTP standard.

To carry out its service, it is possible to install the equipment specific to a taxi, such as the taximeter on the interior rear-view mirror, peripheral printers and an external tariff module, in compliance with the CEPE electromagnetic compatibility regulations, via a centred magnetic plate placed in the middle of the roof or shifted to the right, in either case at a distance of 240 mm from the edge of the windscreen.

On the exterior, taxis in Madrid must comply with the regulations and carry the well-known red stripe on the front doors, a fire extinguisher and, optionally, tinted rear windows with a light transmission of no less than 70%.

In the case of Barcelona, the well-known black and yellow livery must be used, and the elements needed to turn the vehicle into a taxi must be located where the regulations indicate. For security, vehicles from Toyota offer the Centinela Toyota service. This system allows the driver to stay connected to the alarm control centre and report any incident that requires the intervention of security agents.

This system includes silent listening systems, cameras, microphones and various sensors installed on board the vehicle, a geolocation positioning system, an interior camera that allows the SOC to observe in real time everything that happens inside, a panic button for the driver in case of emergency and monitored communication 24 hours a day, among other things.

And to make it easier to acquire one of these cars for service, Toyota offers the possibility of carrying out the necessary modifications, including the administrative procedures required for putting it into service. A comprehensive service that makes swapping an old car for a new Toyota bZ4X as simple as possible.