Beijing's 1,000 electric taxis could help smog

Beijing is expected to have more than 1,000 electric taxis by the end of this year which will help reduce emissions in the city, Beijing Times reports.

The city's Changping District has added 50 new electric taxis and plans to introduce more in the second half of this year, bringing the total number of the environmentally-friendly vehicles to more than 1,000, according to Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

It is understood that currently electric taxis in Beijing have all been piloted in the suburbs due to mileage limitation and charging station. Every taxi can get around a 3,000 yuan subsidy per month from the government.

The 'green' taxis will also help reduce pollution in the city where the dangerous levels of smog have dominated the headlines for months.

The city has around 66,000 taxis in total.