Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, UK
Geely still planning electric cabs in London, ETA approves
Way back in April, the idea for electric green Black Cabs in London was first floated. Chinese automaker Geely is apparently still working on the cabs and the U.K. authorities and watchdog agencies are beginning to pick up on the idea. The Environmental Transport Association in particular has taken notice that many cabs in London are powered by diesel engines, which may be great for fuel efficiency but not so much for human health. Many diesel-powered vehicles emit plenty of particulates that have a nasty effect on the body when inhaled. Since taxi cabs are often left idling, those particulates can get a bit out of control very fast. For this reason, the ETA is suggesting that electric Black Cabs could hold great promise and foresees a fleet of 20,000 electric taxis running through London's busy streets. Early estimates put the TX4E's top speed around 50 miles per hour and its range at about 100 miles. There should be a fleet of ten electric cabs ready for testing early next year.[Sources: ETA, Business Green]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
why not the LS2LS7? 7:57PM (10/20/2008)
100 miles is useless. Do they want to go our for a 2 hour stint?
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jeff 9:21PM (10/20/2008)
The number I've heard for the average daily drive of a London cab is actually 60 miles. I thought it sounded short to me, but that's what I've heard, and I can believe it. London driving is slooow. I did a google maps directions search for Paddington to London Bridge, it gave me 5.7 miles and 24 minutes, about 14mph average. And that's probably a best case scenario, try that in the thick of rush hour and it'll take almost twice as long.
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