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06.12.2017 15:52

London's iconic black cabs go electric

AUTHOR: publics.bg

© London Electric Vehicle Company

London's first electric-powered black cabs already hit the streets, after getting a facelift for the modern age that should help cut pollution in the city, phys.org reported. The new-look cabs will meet the strict new emissions regulations required for all new London taxis from 2018. They are replacing the old diesel cabs, with more than 9,000 electric taxis – around half the current fleet size – expected to be plying for trade by 2021.

"The vehicle is totally new from the ground up and it's a much better experience both for the cabbie and the passengers," Chris Gubbey, chief executive of the London Electric Vehicle Company, said. "The ride and handling is much better and it's very quiet. It's marrying all of the cutting edge technology with vast experience of what it takes to make a good taxi," he added.

London Taxi Company, now London Electric Vehicle Company, has been making London's black cabs for almost 70 years in Coventry, central England. The manufacturer was rescued from administration in 2013 by Chinese automaker Geely who bought the company, phys.org reminded.

The new cabs retain much of the familiar shape, but are marginally bigger, allowing a sixth passenger inside. The taxis have been brought up to date with wifi, USB chargers, a plug socket and a contactless payment card reader in the back. The new, transparent roof allows passengers to take in the cityscape above them.

The new TX eCity taxi costs 62,400 euro, compared to 51,000 euro for the last diesel TX4s. However, manufacturers estimate cabbies could save £100 a week in fuel costs. London taxi drivers average 195 kilometres per day, including their commute to and from work.

The new taxi can do 80 miles on electric power, and has a range-extender petrol engine that runs a generator, meaning it can cover up to 377 miles, always on electric power. It is different from many hybrid vehicles currently on the road in that the petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly. The new taxi produces about 10 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by the TX4 and its nitrous oxide emissions are close to zero. They can repower in 35 minutes at rapid charging stations.