OSLO AND QUEBEC | The first electric taxi driver in the world, the Norwegian Trond Gustav Sømme, paved the way for the ecological transition in the industry, adopting this model in 2013. His influence quickly spread to Quebec, so much so that the pioneer in America of the North is here, in Quebec.
Former taxi driver in Oslo, Trond Gustav Sømme is the first to use an electric vehicle for professional use, full time.
Trond made the transition with a Tesla in 2013.
An environmental gesture that quickly transformed into an economic advantage.
The world’s first electric taxi driver, Norwegian Trond Gustav Sømme, paved the way for the ecological transition in the industry
Photo NICOLAS LACHANCE
“It’s a bit more planning, but otherwise there haven’t been any big differences. The biggest advantage is that there are very few repairs to do on electric cars,” he notes.
Inspired by Trond’s taxi on Instagram, Quebecer Christian Roy decided to follow suit, despite the cost and logistical challenges, in the national capital. He became the first driver in North America in 2014, purchasing a Tesla Model S.
“For me, it’s more about driving. I am a driver. I had a Subaru Legacy before. In eight years, I calculated that I had spent $70,000 on gas,” mentions Christian Roy in an interview, defining himself as a «early adopter».
By giving up gasoline, Christian Roy estimates his savings at $8,000 per year for 10 years.
Christian Roy, a taxi driver who has had the same electric car for 10 years, a Tesal S. 01-11-2024. DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
Photo DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE
Despite a high purchase cost, the choice of electric turned out to be wise for intensive use such as that of a taxi, they say.
Influence
For Trond Gustav Sømme, the transition has also contributed to the popularity of this technology in Norway and globally, accentuated at home by the evolution of infrastructure and supporting public policies.
At first, tourists from all over the world came to Oslo to board his vehicle. Recently, all taxis in the capital have been electric.
“This is an excellent initiative, especially to reduce pollution in cities,” said Trond Gustav Sømme, applauding the reduction in noise pollution and better air quality in Oslo.
Charging at home
The two admit that there were challenges related to the lack of charging infrastructure, especially when they started.
However, with charging at home, both drivers rarely experienced any problems.
“I drove about 300 kilometers a day, which was enough for an electric car. I have never had a problem with a dead battery,” says Trond Gustav Sømme.
Christian Roy admits that at the beginning, “it was problematic” due to the lack of superchargers in the Quebec region. Tesla replaced Christian’s battery in 2017, extending the vehicle’s life and improving its range.
Against the ban
Convinced by the performance of EVs, Christian Roy nevertheless expresses reservations regarding the ban on eliminating sales of thermal vehicles in Quebec for 2035. He considers the measure restrictive.
“I prefer incentives like what was done in Norway,” he said. According to him, the transition will happen naturally and those “who say they will never buy this” will change their minds after one try.
Furthermore, Mr. Roy is also campaigning to extend the lifespan of electric taxis, currently limited to 10 years. “The government didn’t want there to be old fools on the road driving taxis, but here we are elsewhere,” he says.
Trond Gustav Sømme encourages Quebec to follow the Norwegian example to succeed in the energy transition, “despite the initial costs for the State”.
