The latest high-tech hybrid-electric version of the iconic London taxi, the LEVC TX, has been launched to the German taxi market in Berlin. The British firm is now going to partner up with Volvo Germany to sell and distribute them.
Priced from €59,950 (£52,500), the LEVC electric taxi launch in Germany comes after “huge interest from cities across the country”. The company is targeting both the contract taxi market, and operators of larger street taxis. Mobility service providers are another potential area of business.
The first customers for the new cab will be announced next week.
Boasting an 80-mile pure-electric range and, thanks to the backup petrol generator, a 377-mile total range, the firm believes it will help Germany lessen the risk of missing its 2020 carbon reduction targets.
“Everyone is realising that the goals of the ‘energy transition’ and improvement of air quality can only be achieved if more electric cars drive on German roads,” said LEVC chairman Carl-Peter Forster. “We can help with our TX.”
Although the launch model is offered in traditional German taxi beige, other colours are available, says the firm. It says the traditional beige colour is actually being abandoned by a lot of German cities.
German LEVC TX cabs differ little to British ones, although they are all flat-roofed, with no integrated light, because of regulations. A happy by-product of this re-engineering is the ability to meet demand outside the taxi sector: the firm reports growing demand from transport service providers, who are considering using it for contract and shuttle services.
A panic button has also been installed, again to meet regulations.
German taxi drivers are in for a treat, said Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVS. “Our TX combines a first-class electric drive with a range extender. This saves taxi drivers up to €440 a month in fuel costs and ensures this electric vehicle is always on the road.”
