Hail the future: zero-emissions black cab will pick up first passengers this year
THE final design for the new “green” black cab that will be running on the streets of London from later this year was unveiled today.
The zero-emissions taxi, which has an electric battery range of more than 70 miles, will be lighter, roomier and more modern — and help tackle the capital’s air pollution problem.
It can carry six passengers, comes with mobile phone charging points and wi-fi compatibility, and features a spectacular panoramic glass roof to view the capital’s skyline.
The next generation black cab will be more comfortable for disabled passengers, with a forward-wheelchair position and a new retractable ramp.
But the cab’s most innovative feature will be its electric motor, which will be backed by a petrol one which recharges the battery, making it the world’s greenest taxi.
It will also retain some of the London cab’s existing features including its 25ft turning circle to avoid three-point turns on London’s narrow congested streets.
Former mayor Boris Johnson brought in the rule that all new cabs would have to be zero-emissions capable from the start of next year. Transport for London has committed to building dedicated rapid charge points for taxis across the capital, and some drivers of older cabs will be offered up to £5,000 to take their vehicle off the road.
The Mayor’s transport body is aiming for 9,000 zero-emission capable taxis by 2020, which would cut the capital’s total NOx emissions by 3.5 per cent and total PM10s by 4.5 per cent.
The London Taxi Company has not revealed the purchase cost of the new TX5 model but insists that once low running costs are taken into account it will be good value compared with the existing one.