Tesla looks like new even though it has traveled 465,000 km: its taxi will have to be taken off the road due to its age

A Quebec driver hopes the government will change the law limiting the use of a taxi to 10 years because his 2014 Tesla S is still in good condition despite having traveled 465,000 kilometers.

Christian Roy was a true pioneer in 2014 when he bought a Tesla S to use as a taxi.

But his initiative may soon turn against him because, despite significant investments, he will have to retire his car in just over a year, as Quebec law limits the age of a vehicle used to transport paid passengers to 10 years. the people.

“For five years, I’ve been making my case to the government that it doesn’t make sense to take my car off the road. Customers who don’t know a Tesla think it’s new. “There’s nothing to complain about aesthetically,” he says.

The condition of the rear seats does not suggest that it is a 2014 model and has 465,000 kilometers.

Martin Lavoie

“The S models are made of aluminum, and they don’t rust,” he continues. I still have 380 kilometers of autonomy (out of 426 originally). There is no reason to move it out of the way and invest another large sum. »

Heartbreaking choice

Mr. Roy believes he would never be able to buy another Model S if he had to adhere to this rule.

“It’s $100,000 new. If I buy a four-year-old used car and have to change it after six years, that wouldn’t make sense either. Maybe I should choose a smaller model, at the expense of customers,” the driver analyzes.

The odometer on Christian Roy’s car is dated October 2nd.

Martin Lavoie

Despite its sedan silhouette, the S has a tailgate.

“The trunk is very large and the seats fold down. I answer calls from customers who order Small trucks. “In no other Tesla model will I find such space for rear passengers and such a large trunk.”

Investment for consumption

Mr. Roy estimates that continuing to use his car for five years, for example, might allow him to save enough money to buy another Model S.

“I paid two or three times more for my car to be of good quality, and I electrified my taxi as the government wants, but I don’t have more time to turn it off. This makes no sense to me,” he lamented.

“The government calls for the electrification of transportation. But it has robbed me of my desire to continue in this direction, as I have nothing to motivate me to continue investing.”

The government does not bend

For its part, MTQ has shown no intention of changing the law.

“The maximum period of 10 years has been completed […] “It is the result of the balance between consumption cost, safety and service-related standards expected by customers in terms of reliability, comfort and aesthetics,” answered Louis-André Bertrand, MTQ spokesman.

Adding that MTQ is constantly analyzing its laws, Mr. Bertrand emphasizes that a taxi that has reached the ten-year limit can be resold and used as a private car.

Christian Roy and his 2014 Tesla S in Supercharger at IGA des Sources de Cap-Rouge. The driver wants to take MTQ representatives or Minister Guilbault to show them the condition of his car.

Martin Lavoie

Resale is not an interesting option for Christian Roy, as old taxis lose their value much more than a private car.

Under the magnifying glass

Since it was eight years old, Mr. Roy’s car has had two annual inspections. He says these checks are a much better indicator of the car’s condition and should be enough to qualify the car as a taxi.

“Whether the car is 10, 12 or even 15 years old, if it passes inspection, it will be safer than many other cars that do not pass any inspection. This means that there are no cars safer than a taxi, regardless of age.

The driver also extends an invitation to decision makers.

“All I ask is to meet a senior member of the MTQ, and why doesn’t (Minister) Genevieve Guilbault give them a tour. I will prove to them beyond a shadow of a doubt that this 10-year rule has no reason to apply in relation to two Teslas or electric cars in general.”