LEVC unveiled as company presents final design for new Electric Taxi

New product, new name and new logo signal global ambitions as London Taxi Company transforms

  • London Taxi Company becomes LEVC – the London EV Company – to support its global vision to become the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice
  • Ambitious commercial vehicle strategy beginning with the electric Taxi, followed by an electric LCV, based on eCity technology
  • TX announced as the taxi model name as the final production design is presented in London for the first time
  • Drivers of the new electric TX will save on average £100 per week in fuel with no separate battery leasing
  • LEVC announces its first major international order and appoints RMC as the importer for the Netherlands with an initial order for 225 vehicles
  • The TX order book opens on 1st August 2017 commencing with drivers who have registered an interest

Source: LEVC

London, UK. 11th July 2017, London, England: London Taxi Company (LTC) has relaunched as LEVC, marking the next stage in the company’s transformation. Underpinned by an investment totalling £325m, LEVC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, has the single-minded ambition to be the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice for cities around the world.

Chris Gubbey, CEO, LEVC said:

“Today is an incredibly exciting day for the company, for the world’s cities, for the air we breathe and for the drivers of commercial vehicles. The launch of LEVC marks Britain’s leadership as a first mover in creating the world’s only dedicated electric vehicle company for the urban commercial market.”

Alongside the unveiling of the new name and brand logo, LEVC also revealed the final version of the new London Taxi – the TX – and its eCity technology comprising of an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small petrol generator. Applied to the all-new electric TX, the technology allows for a range of over 400 miles including well over 70 miles range with zero emissions.

Discussing the benefits that the TX will bring to drivers, Gubbey commented:

“From our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.”

Due to launch in London later this year, LEVC is finalising its quality and testing regime for the TX which has taken it to the extreme heat of the Arizona desert and freezing temperatures in the Arctic Circle. LEVC expects strong demand from its launch market in London once the order book opens on the 1st August 2017.

Commenting on London’s leadership in tackling poor air quality, Gubbey added:

“London has led the way in setting out tough measures to reduce taxi and van emissions and in just a few short years we expect EVs for the commercial operator will not just become commonplace, but mandatory in cities around the world creating huge opportunities for LEVC globally.”

A key consideration for the company’s new name and brand positioning is its international strategy, which has been boosted by the news that LEVC has received its first major international order from RMC in the Netherlands for an initial 225 vehicles to be delivered in 2018. RMC, one of the Netherlands’ largest taxi operators, has been appointed as the importer and operator.

Chris Gubbey, commenting on the news, said:

“Today’s announcement that RMC will be our importer for the Netherlands is great news for LEVC and demonstrates the need for EV urban commercial vehicles across Europe and the world. We have been extremely impressed with the vision and business plan presented by the management team at RMC and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

From 1 August LEVC will be providing personalised purchase propositions to drivers commencing with those that have registered an interest through www.theelectrictaxi.co.uk

Notes

  • The TX, LEVC’s new electric taxi, combines the company’s expertise as a manufacturer of urban commercial vehicles with proven electric vehicle technology and the latest in advanced material manufacturing.
  • This combination of old and new is reflected in the look of the vehicle. The instantly recognisable rectangular grille and circular headlights have been incorporated into a much more contemporary design, with daytime running lights, simplified lines, and an inset chrome frame to the grille. Similarly, a rear-hinged passenger door with 90°opening provides a more opulent entry and exit for passengers, reminiscent of the 1930s luxury saloons that in part influenced the design of the vehicle.
  • The new taxi has been built using the latest techniques in aluminium bonding. This avoids welding or riveting – which reduces the weight of the cab, completely offsetting the additional weight of the battery, whilst maintaining vehicle strength.
  • The TX uses eCity technology which combines a small petrol generator (known as a “range-extender”) with a class leading battery and proven electric powertrain.  The eCity platform will give drivers a range of well-over 70 miles on pure electric, and a combined range of over 400 miles with its small petrol generator.
  • With this range, a driver could take passengers from London to Edinburgh or Paris without once needing to stop for fuel. In addition to this range, the move to electric will save drivers on average £100 a week in fuel. LEVC will not separate out the cost of the battery – so called battery leasing – giving drivers a simple and clear weekly cost.
  • As well as the more premium feel, passengers will notice less vibration and noise in the passenger cabin, alongside charging points for mobile phones, Wi-fi and additional space for six passengers.
  • The TX has also been designed to be one of the safest vehicles on London’s streets.
  • The cab retains its renowned disability access features. There will be a new retractable integrated ramp making it quicker and easier for drivers to load passengers in wheelchairs in a new forward facing position.
  • Other accessibility features include induction loops for hearing aids a well as contrasting grab handles and seat edges for the partially sighted.
  • Following the completion of LEVC’s extensive testing regime, the TX will be on London’s streets later this year. TfL currently anticipate that, by the end of 2020, 9000 London taxis will be “zero emission capable” vehicles.

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