Having been put through a rigorous extreme weather testing regime in the Arctic and Death Valley, California, six electric black cabs have arrived in London, UK, for the final phase of testing ahead of the January 2018 deadline for all newly licensed taxis to be zero-emission capable.
The London Electric Vehicle Company’s (LEVC) test fleet drivers comprise real London black cab drivers who will help to collect information such as emissions savings made from the company’s eCity technology and the performance of London’s charge-point infrastructure before delivering the vehicles to customers and being available to fare-paying passengers later in the year.
“We are incredibly excited to deliver our six test vehicles to the streets of London,” said Chris Gubbery, CEO of LEVC. “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 they use taxis or not.”
The vehicles, which all come with six seats, a panoramic roof and aluminum body, feature active and passive safety systems, including forward collision warnings and autonomous emergency brake assistance. Other features include onboard sat-nav, access to online charge-point maps, and hailing apps for bookings.
October 26, 2017