فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, said that taxi professionals—both large and small taxi categories—still generally tend to purchase and operate internal combustion engine vehicles, with only limited exceptions, even though the taxi fleet renewal support program allows older vehicles to be replaced with electric or hybrid cars, alongside local initiatives encouraging this shift.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question on how professionals are keeping pace with acquiring electric vehicles, Laftit explained that continued reliance on combustion engines is mainly due to the higher prices of electric cars compared to conventional models, as well as the limited charging infrastructure. He also pointed to the need for repeated charging during the day when covering long distances—unlike combustion vehicles, which often do not require refueling more than once daily.
Despite these constraints, the minister anticipated a gradual increase in the use of electric vehicles within the taxi sector in the coming years. He attributed this to ongoing technical progress in the industry, improved driving range, shorter charging times, expanded charging and maintenance services in several cities and along major road corridors, as well as a relative decline in prices and more diverse market offerings, including professional options.
The Interior Minister also affirmed his ministry’s readiness to work with other sectors on initiatives aimed at encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles, in line with public programs to reduce emissions and accelerate the energy transition, particularly in the transport sector.
Regarding the results of the taxi fleet renewal program, Laftit stated that it helped renew around 80% of the national fleet by replacing old vehicles with newer ones that consume about 40% less fuel on average. This, he said, contributed to reducing emissions and improving road safety and comfort for both passengers and drivers. He added that access to support was linked to purchasing new vehicles whose specifications and seating capacity match the number of passengers authorized to be transported.
Source: Fes News Media
