Gary Zhou 
Thanks to Gravity’s efforts, Tesla Model Y yellow cabs could soon be cruising down New York City (NYC) streets. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) recently approved a pilot program to increase the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the yellow taxi industry. TLC’s BEV pilot program will see Gravity participating with a fleet of Tesla Model Y taxis.
TLC issued a resolution after approving its BEV pilot program, claiming that the Tesla Model 3 is the only battery electric vehicle certified for use as a yellow taxi. To carry Tesla Model Y taxis to New York City, Gravity is collaborating with regulators, the administration, state agencies/corporations, utility, real estate owners, and other interested parties.
“By reimagining the legacy of the iconic yellow taxi, Gravity is bringing a new value to travel that the City needs,” said Gravity Advisor and Regulatory Counsel Matt Daus. “We wholeheartedly applaud the TLC and the commissioner for their forward-looking BEV pilot and look forward to being a big part of it.”
The company stated in a press release that all BEVs with an acceleration time of less than 4.4 seconds are eligible to participate in the program. The Tesla Model Y, which has a long range, now qualifies. As a result, Gravity will move forward with its TLC licensing application and fully participate in the pilot program with its Model Y taxi fleet.
The Tesla Model Y, according to Gravity, will be a good fit for the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission’s BEV pilot program. The Tesla Model Y, according to the company, is an ideal taxi cab because it can comfortably seat passengers, has a wide rear cabin, and has enough range to run multiple shifts in a city.
“What Gravity is bringing to New York City is beyond electric vehicles; these will be the taxis of the future and the charging spaces of the future,” said Gravity CEO Moshe Cohen. “We’ve found a pragmatic approach to sustainable transportation that’s focused on health, safety, and the passenger experience. Gravity is proud to have spearheaded a business model that’s made for people and provides for the technology needs of the modern commuter and BEV owner. NY Yellow Taxis are an opportunity to make significant innovations in BEV fleets and public charging infrastructure, all while creating fair and incentive-compatible working conditions for drivers.”
Gravity began planning for the BEV pilot program when it was still in the planning stages. Before the pilot program was approved, the sustainable mobility and electric vehicle infrastructure company began construction on a next-generation fast-charging infrastructure for BEVs. Gravity looked for potential charging locations by considering the layout of the site, the area’s power constraints, the duration/time of day charging, and even the utility rates.
