FAW-Volkswagen’s Jetta M6 EV has introduced a new ‘taxi’ trim in China, targeting the country’s extensive rideshare and taxi market. The fleet-focused version features a larger battery, increased range, and an extended warranty, all at a competitive price point.
Jetta M6 EV Taxi Trim Targets Fleet Operators
The Jetta M6 EV ‘taxi’ trim is now available in China for $12,839 (~AUD 18,458), specifically for municipal taxi operators and rideshare platforms. This version is not sold directly to the general public.
Jetta, a budget marque distinct from Volkswagen’s global Jetta sedan, has seen strong demand for the M6, with over 10,000 orders placed within 19 hours of its 22 October launch.
Fleet-Focused Features and Specifications
The ‘taxi’ trim comes equipped with a 51.9 kWh LFP battery and a 145 kW (194 hp) front motor, delivering a CLTC range of 555 km (~345 miles, ~450 km WLTP).
Comfort features such as seat power adjustments, massaging, heating, and ventilation are omitted in this version. The double folding bed design, which allows both front seats to fold flat, is expected to remain.
Externally, the taxi trim swaps alloy wheels for steel wheels with aerodynamic plastic hubcaps and appears to be offered only in white, leaving customization to fleet operators.
Extended Warranty for High-Mileage Use
Jetta provides an extended warranty for the taxi trim, covering up to 600,000 km (~373,000 miles) over 6 or 8 years. In comparison, consumer-oriented M6 models are covered for three years or 100,000 km (~62,000 miles).
Silent Sales to Individual Buyers
Although intended for fleet use, some surplus taxi-spec M6 EVs have reportedly been sold to regular buyers, as seen in posts on Chinese social media platforms. These units are priced at a $898 (~AUD 1,291) premium over the standard base model.
It remains unclear whether these consumer-purchased fleet vehicles can be serviced at regular Jetta dealerships or if the extended warranty applies. Neither Jetta nor China’s rideshare operators have commented on these unauthorised sales.
Jetta M6 EV Model Overview
The Jetta M6 is the marque’s first EV, with prices ranging from $11,942 (~AUD 17,167) to $14,934 (~AUD 21,470). The entry-level model features a 113 kW (152 hp) front motor and a 42.9 kWh LFP battery, providing a CLTC range of 465 km (~289 miles, ~377 km WLTP).
Higher trims offer a 145 kW (194 hp) front motor, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.8 seconds, and a 51.9 kWh battery for 555 km CLTC range (~345 miles, ~450 km WLTP). All trims are front-wheel drive and use batteries supplied by CALB.
Advanced L2 assisted driving features are available on the top trim, powered by Horizon Robotics’ Journey 6M chip with the ‘GAIA 2.0 World Model’. The M6 can Navigate on Autopilot (NoA) in both urban and high-speed scenarios.
Additional features include a built-in fold-flat double bed and V2L capability with up to 3.5 kW of power. The M6 measures 4,806 mm (~189 inches) in length, 1,868 mm (~74 inches) in width, and 1,500 mm (~59 inches) in height, with a 2,820 mm (~111 inches) wheelbase. Suspension consists of front McPherson struts and a rear torsion-bar setup.
Why this matters
The launch of the Jetta M6 EV taxi trim highlights the growing focus on electrification in China’s commercial vehicle sector. By offering a high-range, low-cost EV with an extended warranty, Jetta is addressing the specific needs of high-mileage fleet operators.
This move could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in taxi and rideshare fleets, contributing to reduced emissions and lower operating costs for drivers.
What this means for buyers
For individual buyers, the standard Jetta M6 EV remains available with a range of trims and features. While some surplus taxi-spec vehicles may be accessible through unofficial channels, potential buyers should be aware of uncertainties regarding service eligibility and warranty coverage.
Fleet operators and rideshare platforms in China now have a dedicated, long-warranty electric sedan option tailored for intensive daily use.
Key Specs
- Taxi Trim Price: $12,839 (~AUD 18,458)
- Standard M6 Starting Price: $11,942 (~AUD 17,167)
- Battery (Taxi Trim): 51.9 kWh LFP
- Motor Output (Taxi Trim): 145 kW (194 hp)
- Range (Taxi Trim, CLTC): 555 km (~345 miles, ~450 km WLTP)
- Warranty (Taxi Trim): 600,000 km (~373,000 miles) over 6 or 8 years
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 4,806/1,868/1,500 mm (~189/74/59 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,820 mm (~111 inches)
