This year’s Earth Day marks the start of a trial run for the Nissan LEAF electric car as the New York City Taxi. In a joint project Nissan and NYC has dispatched six LEAFs on a pilot program to see if zero emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets; what are the advantages, what are the drawbacks.

Obviously a big issue with an electric car that is running around all day is charging. To help the LEAF stay juicy, New York City officials have agreed to install several CHAdeMO-based DC quick chargers, which will enable drivers to re-charge their electric taxis quickly during their shift.

Quick charging will top the LEAF’s battery up to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, but constant use of a quick charger will significantly reduces the life of the battery pack. So don’t be surprised if the fares for this taxi were higher than usual. Somebody has to pay for those batteries!

Nissan LEAF is powered by a responsive 80kW AC synchronous motor, now built in the United States at Nissan’s Powertrain Assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn.

Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles said: “As part of our commitment to zero emission vehicles for the mass-market, Nissan is looking for ways to broaden the use of electric cars, including commercial applications like taxis. Following the selection of Nissan NV200 as New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow, our relationship with the city provides us the ultimate proving ground to conduct this LEAF taxi pilot to help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: “Even though the Taxi of Tomorrow won’t be on the road for another six months, we’re already looking ahead to the taxi of the day after tomorrow. Nissan’s proven track record with electric vehicles will put us ahead of the curve in helping us answer important questions about incorporating electric taxis into the fleet so that we can achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020.”