Over 90% of Taxis in Niš are Now Electric or Hybrid

Author: Marko Nedeljković

While many cities across Europe are still waiting for public subsidies, strategic plans or policy frameworks to drive the mobility transition, Niš is already well ahead of the curve. What sets Niš apart is not the availability of resources or policy support, but the way in which change was achieved. Change happened organically, led by private initiative and supported by informed public demand. As of mid-2025, over 90 percent of Niš’s approximately 850 licensed taxis are either hybrid or fully electric. This shift did not come from national or local regulation, or top-down climate strategies. It emerged through everyday decisions made by local entrepreneurs and citizens. 

A Local Spark

The story began several years ago when a single taxi company introduced a few hybrid vehicles and launched a local awareness campaign. The messaging focused on the benefits of cleaner air, lower noise and improved ride quality. The idea caught on quickly. Citizens began specifically requesting rides in the new eco-friendly vehicles, sending a clear signal that sustainability mattered to them as users. Other companies soon followed, sensing both market opportunity and reputational advantage. The transition progressed step by step, first with hybrids, then with a gradual shift to fully electric vehicles as the technology became more accessible. It was driven entirely by the logic of the market. 

A Diverse and Responsive Fleet

Today, the city’s taxi fleet reflects a diverse mix of technologies and manufacturers, representing electric mobility from all around the world. This broad portfolio reflects the openness of Niš’s taxi sector to experiment with new technologies and optimize fleet performance across a range of operational needs. Upfront costs for these vehicles are high, often double the price of a traditional combustion engine car. Still, companies report that the investment pays off quickly, thanks to significantly lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance needs and fewer breakdowns. 

Importantly, passengers do not bear the burden of this transformation. Taxi fares in Niš are regulated by the city and remain the same for all vehicles, meaning everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of a modern, quiet, and spacious ride. Meanwhile, public transport in Niš has recently become entirely free. This bold decision by the city reflects a growing commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. Yet, the taxi sector continues to play a vital complementary role, especially in neighborhoods less connected by bus lines or during off-peak hours.

Infrastructure Still Catching Up

Despite these advances, key challenges remain. The biggest is the lack of fast-charging infrastructure, especially outside of Niš. Drivers of electric taxis frequently decline longer-distance fares, simply because they cannot guarantee a return trip without access to a charger. This issue limits the efficiency of electric fleets and puts them at a disadvantage compared to hybrids, which continue to offer greater flexibility, particularly for intercity travel.

Solving this infrastructure gap will require a coordinated effort that goes beyond the local level. While Niš has made the most of what was within its reach, the next stage of the transition cannot depend solely on private actors. Public investment in EV charging infrastructure, particularly fast chargers at strategic locations, will be critical if the city wants to move from strong results to full-scale transformation. The current business model has shown that electrification is viable and profitable, but it also has clear limits if not supported by systemic upgrades. 

A Citywide Lesson

Niš shows that major change is possible even when policies lag behind. Market dynamics and consumer awareness can drive real transformation, especially when new technologies meet genuine needs. Informed citizens, combined with responsive businesses, can lead the way long before institutions catch up. Most of all, Niš reminds us that the energy transition is not only about infrastructure, incentives or long-term visions. It is about people. It is about what happens when citizens start asking for cleaner alternatives, and when businesses are ready to respond. This is how transitions begin, with everyday decisions, made by ordinary people, that gradually reshape a city.