Beijing plans to introduce 2,000 taxis powered by natural gas this year, amid public concerns over the city's poor air quality, Beijing Gas confirmed yesterday.
It is another move to promote clean energy after 290 natural gas buses were put into service last month in Beijing.
"Natural gas can reduce air pollution. For example, PM 2.5 emissions will decrease by 90 percent if we replace diesel with natural gas on a bus," said a media officer, surnamed Xu, from Beijing Gas yesterday.
Experts have said that high gasoline prices will boost the development of natural gas vehicles in Beijing.
Estimates of savings indicate that a car run on gas would save the owner 30,000 yuan ($4,761) annually, which more than offsets the higher initial outlay, said the Beijing News.
"Take the Hyundai Elantra for example. The price of a natural gas Elantra is 6,000 yuan higher than a normal one, but that will be compensated for by the saved fuel expenses in just three months," Xu said.
At present, there are few natural gas taxis in Beijing.
"We have more than 6,000 taxis but none are powered by gas now. We haven't received any notice from the government about changing some into natural gas taxis," said a representative, surnamed Geng, from the Shou Qi Group.
Due to a lack of natural gas stations in Beijing, which may hinder the development of natural gas vehicles, Beijing Gas intends to increase the number of stations in the city.
Beijing has eight natural gas stations between the Fourth and Fifth Ring Roads, and another two are under construction, the Beijing News said.
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