SCOTTISH TAXI DEALER ADDS ELECTRIC CABS TO FLEET
Electric taxis have begun to hit the streets of Scotland after an Edinburgh taxi dealership signed a deal with the firm behind the new “London” cab.
Union Motor Company was chosen by LEVC to be Edinburgh’s first sales and service centre for the TX ecity.
The TX ecity is a rangeextended electric vehicle, which this means it is only ever driven by a powerful electric motor. However, there is a small petrol engine on board which can top-up the battery, should the driver be unable to charge. This technology will give drivers a zero-emissions range of just over 80 miles and total range of up to 377 miles.
Danny Flynn, founder of The Union Motor Company, said: “This is the future of all vehicles – they will be essential to protect our urban environment and improve air quality.
“We have always been a forward-thinking company and we like to be involved in the pioneering of any new technology. We are very excited to come on board and work on the new electric taxi and LEVC.”
As part of the new fleet offering, the Union Motor Company has installed electric charge points at both its retail sites and has employed four new members of staff to sell and service the vehicle.
Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC said: “Our purpose-built, passenger focused taxi, has been designed with the intention of getting more people in the back of cabs – offering the safest, cleanest, quietest and smoothest taxi ride yet. We are delighted to have had the support of Union Motor Company to deliver this vision for the taxi trade in Edinburgh – and I look forward to hearing about how drivers all get on in the new cab.”
As well as being cleaner than diesel models, LEVC says its taxis will save drivers money. The firm estimates that the move to electric will save drivers on average £100 a week in fuel and will save on maintenance as the service intervals more than double to 25,000 miles.
David Mcmillan was the first driver in Edinburgh to receive the keys to his new cab.
He said: “These types of vehicle are the future – promising a smoother, more comfortable ride for passengers and will help clean up cities too. The fact I will be financially better off is a big bonus too.”