The first TX taxi from the London EV Company (LEVC) has been handed over to a cabbie.
The TX comes with a battery electric powertrain and a backup petrol generator, giving a total range of up to 400 miles, including 80 miles of pure electric driving.
The first driver to take delivery of the new taxi was David Harris, 46, from Chingford, a black cab driver for 21 years who was one of the first to put his name down when order books for the TX opened last summer.
He expects to save £500 to £600 a month compared with a diesel taxi due to lower fuel, servicing and overall running costs.
Although Harris has no charging facilities at home, he plans to incorporate a top-up charge into his daily visit to Heathrow, where dedicated rapid charging facilities are available for electric taxis.
LEVC CEO Chris Gubbey said: “It’s a momentous day for LEVC and the TX. It’s the first of many clean-air, zero-emission taxis that will be hitting the streets of London, and we are just as excited as David is.
“Hearing how this vehicle will impact his life, and the vast savings he will make month after month, is just fantastic. We can’t wait to see and hear the reaction from passengers as they experience the new TX for the first time.”
Features of the TX include a six-seater cabin with wheelchair accessibility, on-board Wi-Fi, phone and laptop charging, wide-opening rear-hinged doors, contactless card machines and a panoramic roof.
Also included are an air filter system to protect occupants from pollution, and safety systems including forward collision warnings, autonomous emergency braking and emergency brake assistance.
