Electric taxis arrive in London for the final phase of testing

The first electric black cabs are now being driven on the streets of London as they enter the final phase of testing ahead of the January 2018 deadline for all newly licensed taxis to be zero emission capable.

The electric taxis have been developed by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEV), which was formerly known as the London Taxi Company.

The test fleet drivers are London cabbies who will help to collect information such as the emissions savings being made from LEVC’s eCity technology and the performance of London’s chargepoint infrastructure before delivering to customers and being available to fare paying passengers later in the year.

LEVC’s chief executive Chris Gubbey said: “We will now be able to accurately quantify the significant improvements these vehicles will make to London’s air quality, which will benefit all Londoners regardless of whether you use taxis or not.”

The electric cabs feature six seats, contactless card machines, onboard Wi-Fi, phone, laptop and USB charging, a panoramic roof, and an aluminum body that is stronger and will better protect the passenger. They are also wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned.

The new vehicles also have an on-board sat-nav to help drivers identify congestion and plan alternative routes, access to online chargepoint maps and hailing apps for taking bookings.