First electric taxi hits the streets of London

The very first electric black taxi is now ready to pick up passengers in London.

The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) handed over the keys to David Harris, a 46 year-old cab driver from Chingford in north East London. Mr. Harris was one of the first to put down a deposit for the new taxis last summer.

The driver says that he expects to save £500-£600 a month in fuel savings, servicing and overall running costs from switching to the electric vehicle.

The new model of taxi, called TX, has a range of up to 400 miles, including 80 miles with zero emissions.

The launch of the new electric vehicles has been prompted by a new rule from the Mayor of London that all new taxis from the 1st January 2018 have to be zero-emissions capable. This is defined as have carbon dioxide emissions of no more than 50 grams per kilometre and a minimum 30 mile zero emission range.

Transport for London plans to build 150 new rapid charge points in the capital this year, and a further 150 by the end of 2020 to aid with the transition.

The new taxis cost £55,599, although drivers can take advantage of a government grant which provides up to £7,500 off the price of a new zero-emissions vehicle.

Chris Gubbey, chief executive of the LEVC, said he expected the electric vehicles to become a common sight in the capital: "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 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."

 

                                          Mr. Harris picked up the first of its kind vehicle this week

 

Image Credit: LEVC