Bermuda’s ailing taxi industry could be revitalised by the introduction of electric-powered cabs, a representative has claimed.

Leopold Kuchler, the former president of the Bermuda Taxi Operators Association, said drivers were working up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, for as little as $1,750 per month, and called on the Bermuda Government to help to address their dire predicament.

“The industry is bad, and the politicians don’t want to work with us or do anything, simply because they don’t understand,” Mr Kuchler said.

“We are milked for taxes and that’s it. I’m working my socks off and I’ve got to pay left, right and centre. I can’t make a living. The Government is looking for taxation, but please don’t take it out on me.”

In his 12 years as a driver on the Island, Mr Kuchler argued that various factors had combined to stifle trade, including the decrease in tourist numbers, the switch from four-seater to six-seater cabs and consistently high gas prices, regardless of fluctuations.

Another problem lies in the difficulty of importing spare vehicle parts to the Island.

“It takes up to seven weeks to get the parts from Indonesia. If that happens, I’m sitting at home without work,” he said.

Mr Kuchler insists that 80 electric vehicle charging stations across Bermuda be set up, which would make the changeover from petrol-powered taxis viable, and for the Government to provide the proper regulations.

This would pave the way for drivers to purchase BYD e6 cars, an advanced electric model from China priced at roughly $56,000,

“We would save 80 per cent on fuel,” he said. “Plus, we wouldn’t need a conventional repair garage, as there is just one electrical motor with no diversity, so there would be no downtime.”

In addition, the cars would provide a greener alternative, with no carbon emissions and the potential for charging stations to incorporate solar power.

“Oil doesn’t run for ever, and the price will be even higher in ten years,” Mr Kuchler said.

“It will kill the industry if we keep driving gasoline and diesel taxis, which in turn would have a bad effect on tourism.

“The whole regulatory environment needs to change, and it will change.

“We need to get a minister who is willing to work with the taxi industry on these regulations. Electric is the answer.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport agreed that the changeover to electric cabs could be a viable idea, but advised against rushing into costly and sweeping reforms.

He said: “The ministry continues to work closely with the taxi industry. We are aware of most of the current industry challenges and have taken steps over the past 15 months to provide assistance.

“That includes a 25 per cent increase in the metered rate, a legislative amendment to allow for advertising inside the taxi cab and an increase in passenger load capacity from six to seven people.

“The ministry supports the use of electric vehicles and there has been increased interest from automobile dealers and from the public. This has resulted from major improvements in the technology, including greater mileage between charges.

“What is being proposed could be beneficial to the taxi industry but it would require careful consideration and planning, as it would involve major infrastructure improvements and capital outlay.

“It would be a medium-term project that would require wide consultation among all stakeholders before proceeding.”