First London taxi driver takes delivery of new electrified black cab
London EV Company has delivered first black cab capable of electric-only driving, with hundreds said to be hitting the capital’s streets in the coming months
The first electrified London black cab has been delivered to a taxi driver in the capital.
Cabbie David Harris has been given the keys to his all-new London EV Company (LEVC) TX, which has a battery-electric powertrain that uses a small petrol-fuelled generator as back-up.
The 46-year-old has been a London taxi driver for 21 years, and said the new vehicle would save him £500 to £600 per month compared with running his former diesel cab.
He was one of the first to put down a deposit on the electrified model, and said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the keys to my new TX electric taxi.
“There are two reasons I bought the cab. First, I can’t wait to see the response from passengers – I know that they’re going to love it. And second, I’m going to see some significant savings on running the electric taxi.”
He can’t top up the battery at home, because he doesn’t have access there to charging. Instead, he plans to use rapid charging points during his daily trips to Heathrow Airport.
The TX can travel up to 80 miles on electric power alone but has an overall range of about 400 miles because of the petrol generator. There’s also an air filter that can detect increased levels of pollution outside and shut off external vents to keep the cabin fresh.
Other features include improved wheelchair access, on-board wi-fi, phone charging points, space for six passengers, induction loops for hearing aids and autonomous emergency braking.
Chris Gubbey, the chief executive of LEVC, said: “It’s a momentous day for LEVC and the TX. It’s the first of many clean-air, zero-emission taxis that will be hitting the streets of London, and we are just as excited as David is.
“Hearing how this vehicle will impact on his life, and the vast savings he will make month after month, is just fantastic. We can’t wait to see and hear the reaction from passengers as they experience the new TX for the first time.”
The LEVC TX costs £177 per week over five years or £55,599 on the road, compared with £166 per week or £45,945 on the road for the old diesel cab.
