There are now more London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) TX taxis on the streets of London than diesel TX4s.
The electrified TX, a range-extender hybrid, now represents 40 percent of the officially licensed black cabs covering the capital.
More than 6,000 examples of the Coventry-built TX are working in London. LEVC says this is helping the city transition to a greener fleet of hackney carriages.
A greener black cab
First launched in 2018, the LEVC TX uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain to offer zero emissions capability. The rear electric motor is solely driven by battery power, which can be recharged by plugging in, or via the on-board 1.5-litre petrol engine.
There is no link between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheels, with petrol power used solely to extend battery range.
Used in pure electric mode, the TX is capable of covering up to 78 miles. With the range extender engine, this is stretched to 333 miles.
The TX boasts space for six passengers inside, and is the only black cab capable of accommodating a forward-facing wheelchair. Luxury car specialists Clive Sutton have even created a VIP version, designed for low-key chauffeured luxury.
Lowering emissions for London
LEVC calculates that since being launched, TX models have accumulated more than 534 million miles across the globe. This is said to have prevented 162,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.
Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We are witnessing a significant tipping point in the push towards cleaner transportation, with the TX overtaking the diesel-powered TX4 as the cab of choice in London.
“Since LEVC launched the revolutionary TX taxi, it has successfully delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution, perfectly suited for urban environments. With each new TX on the road, we are preventing thousands of tonnes of harmful emissions, helping to create healthier and happier cities.”
Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s director of licensing and regulation, added: “London’s taxi drivers are rightfully proud to be at the vanguard of cleaning up the city’s toxic air. The step-change in the taxi fleet moving to zero-emissions capable is an important part of the bold action the Mayor is taking to deal with the public health crisis that is being caused by deadly pollution, and for tackling the climate emergency.”
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