A first batch of 500 hybrid taxis has gone into use in Guiyang, Guizhou province.

"Compared with previous taxis, the hybrid cars only consume 3.5 liters of gas daily and help drivers save about 150 yuan ($24.80) in gas bills each day," said Huang Wei, head of the Guiyang Qianxi Taxi Company.

The 500 taxis have terminals installed that give passengers clear information on drivers and the company. Passengers can also comment on the driver's service via the terminals.

The terminals also support quick financial payments so passengers can pay by bank card for their taxi trip. In addition, trip records provided in the new taxis will help find passengers' lost belongings.

All of Guiyang's 7,000 taxis will be replaced by hybrid taxis with intelligent terminals, with upgrading of the remaining 6,500 vehicles scheduled to begin in March.

"The work is expected to be completed by the end of June", said Rui Jin, director of the Guiyang road transportation bureau.

With each valued at around 300,000 yuan, the new energy taxis have passengers calling them "the most luxurious taxis" in the city.