From November 1, RentaCab, an electric taxi rental company, will expand to Eindhoven.
This initiative, which has been running successfully in Amsterdam for several years, offers independent taxi drivers an alternative to traditional taxis by giving them access to zero-emission vehicles without long-term commitments. Drivers only pay for the actual use of the taxi, which not only offers them flexibility, but also helps them avoid unnecessary costs during quiet periods. With this, RentaCab responds to the growing need for affordable and environmentally friendly mobility solutions in the Netherlands.
no taxi company
Unlike a conventional taxi company, where drivers are assigned fixed rides and routes, RentaCab positions itself as a facility service provider for self-employed drivers. Their fleet consists entirely of electric and hydrogen cars, including models such as the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Nexo. According to RentaCab, this approach fits seamlessly with their mission to stimulate sustainable urban mobility. By offering drivers the option to book a taxi per hour, they can efficiently respond to fluctuations in demand and adjust their working hours to busy periods, such as during major events or in the high season.
The expansion to Eindhoven comes at a strategic time. More and more cities are introducing stricter emission standards to improve air quality and achieve climate goals. RentaCab is responding to this by offering completely emission-free vehicles that match the ambition of Dutch cities to drastically reduce CO₂ emissions. “We want to contribute to cleaner air in the cities and create a more liveable environment,” says a spokesperson for RentaCab.
One of the standout aspects of RentaCab is the offering of hydrogen vehicles, a segment in which the company still holds a pioneering position. The partnership with Toyota in particular makes the offering special, as their Mirai model is equipped with technology that purifies the ambient air while driving. In Amsterdam, this has already led to a noticeable increase in popularity among drivers who value environmentally conscious solutions. “It’s not just a taxi, it’s a mobile air filter,” says a driver who uses a hydrogen car from the RentaCab fleet.
RentaCab is not a taxi company, but they know the industry and know what taxi entrepreneurs need at the moment: the ability to generate revenue without investments and without fixed costs.
For self-employed drivers, RentaCab’s flexible model offers significant advantages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers were hit hard by the drop in demand and the financial pressure of ownership and maintenance costs. This flexible rental option now offers self-employed drivers an alternative that allows them to continue their work without having to invest heavily in their own vehicle. RentaCab believes that this model can be further expanded in the future, especially as the demand for electric and hydrogen vehicles increases.
Uber
In addition, RentaCab's collaboration with platforms such as Uber fits perfectly with the aim of an emission-free taxi fleet in European cities by 2030. Uber has announced ambitious plans to get 100.000 electric vehicles on European roads within five years. For drivers who drive for Uber but do not want to purchase their own electric car, RentaCab offers a solution: they can rent a fully electric or hydrogen car and only pay for the time they use it. The partnership with RentaCab enables our drivers to contribute to the sustainability of the Uber platform, without having to make a large investment themselves.
