Beatrice Lang
London's iconic black cabs are going green. The city now has more electric-powered black cabs than diesel-powered ones, with over half of the capital's black cabs capable of covering minimum journeys on electric power alone. This shift towards electrification is part of London's push to become a greener, more sustainable city, and it's working—the number of ultra-low emission vehicle registrations in the UK rose by 40% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric black cabs in London | 5,000-7,970 |
| Percentage of total black cabs that are electric | 40% |
| Manufacturer of most electric black cabs | London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) |
| Model of most electric black cabs | TX |
| Type of vehicle | Plug-in hybrid with a pure-electric range of around 80 miles |
| Zero-Emission Capable (ZEC) status | Yes |
| Ultra-low emission status | Yes |
| Date of first electric black cab in London | 1800s |
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What You'll Learn
London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC)
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is a British automotive manufacturer that produces London's iconic black taxicabs. LEVC is headquartered at Ansty Park, near Coventry, England, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chinese automaker Geely.
The company's history dates back to 1908, when it first started as a traditional manufacturer. Over the years, LEVC has transformed into a modern electric vehicle (EV) company, with a strong focus on innovation and craftsmanship. In 2018, LEVC revolutionized urban mobility with the launch of the electric TX, the world's cleanest and most advanced taxi, featuring groundbreaking eCity technology.
LEVC's TX model is the most common zero-emission capable (ZEC) taxi in London. These taxis provide a clean, comfortable, and accessible journey for passengers. The TX model has contributed significantly to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the city. As of April 2022, over 5,000 TX taxis were sold in London, accounting for around a third of the city's taxi fleet.
LEVC's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in their products, which offer state-of-the-art charging capabilities. The company's forward-thinking strategy is focused on creating smarter, cleaner, safer, and more accessible mobility solutions for modern urban transportation. By investing in rapid charging infrastructure and partnering with cab drivers, LEVC is actively working towards a fully zero-emission fleet, while maintaining the high-quality and reliable service that London's taxis are known for.
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Zero-Emission Capable (ZEC)
London's black cabs are going green. The city now has more electric-powered black cabs than diesel-powered ones, with over half of the capital's nearly 14,700 Hackney carriages now "zero-emission capable" (ZEC). This means that they emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 exhaust emissions and can be operated with zero emissions for a minimum range of 20 miles (32km).
The most common ZEC taxi model in the capital is the London Electric Vehicle Company's (LEVC) TX, a plug-in hybrid with a pure-electric range of around 80 miles. The TX provides a clean, comfortable, and accessible journey for passengers, and since its launch, it has saved 200,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. The TX is manufactured in Coventry, creating jobs and supporting the UK's historic vehicle manufacturing industry.
The uptake of ZEC taxis is supported by London's comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which boasts the highest concentration of charging points in any UK city. This includes the UK's first wireless electric taxi charging rank outside Nottingham's railway station, where nine Hackney cabs have been adapted to charge while parked.
The shift towards electric black cabs is part of London's wider efforts to improve air quality and become a greener, more sustainable city. With around 20% of London's traffic coming from black cabs and 80% of the city's pollution stemming from cars, the move to electric cabs is expected to significantly improve air quality.
London's electric taxi fleet is also supported by financial incentives and investments in rapid charging infrastructure. The sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned in the UK from 2030, and London's taxi drivers are proud to be at the forefront of the transition to cleaner transportation.
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Electric cabs improve air quality
Electric cabs are an important step towards improving air quality in London. The city is currently facing a public health crisis due to toxic air pollution, with cars being the primary source of this pollution. The iconic black cabs of London contribute significantly to this issue, accounting for 20% of the traffic on the city's streets.
The good news is that London is making progress in electrifying its taxi fleet. As of 2023, more than half of London's black cabs are zero-emission capable (ZEC), with over 7,970 ZEC taxis on the city's streets. This is a significant increase from 2022, when there were around 5,000 electric cabs in London. The majority of these ZEC taxis are produced by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), with their TX model being the most common.
The benefits of electric cabs are clear. Electric cabs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce the harmful chemicals in the air that contribute to the city's poor air quality. This is especially important for London, as the city works towards becoming a greener and more sustainable place to live. Electric cabs also bring economic benefits, with the LEVC's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Coventry supporting jobs and innovation in the UK.
The transition to electric cabs is supported by London's comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The city has the highest concentration of charging points in the UK, making it easier for cab drivers to recharge their vehicles. This infrastructure will continue to expand, further encouraging the adoption of electric cabs and other electric vehicles.
The electrification of London's black cabs is a positive step towards improving the city's air quality and reducing emissions. With continued support and investment, London can lead the way in creating a greener and healthier urban environment, while still maintaining the high-quality and accessible taxi service that the city is known for.
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Electric cabs are cheaper
The upfront costs of electric cabs are higher than gasoline-fueled cabs. In November 2021, the average cost of an EV was $56,437, which is around $10,000 more than the average cost of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. However, the price of EVs has been decreasing. In September 2023, the average price paid for a new EV was $14,300 less than the previous year, making it only $2,800 more than the average cost of a new gas-powered vehicle.
The running and maintenance costs of electric cabs are lower than those of diesel cabs. Electric cabs are more reliable, especially for short trips, which can be hard on diesel engines. The LEVC TX5 range-extended model, for example, can run in fully electric mode for 80 miles, while the Nissan Dynamo 100% electric hackney can go for 155 miles before needing to recharge. By switching to electric, cab drivers can avoid expensive trips to the pump, as the average cost of fuelling an electric car is significantly lower than that of a gas-powered vehicle. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that EV drivers spend about 60% less on fuel each year compared to drivers of gas-powered cars.
Additionally, most electric cabs are zero-rated for Vehicle Excise Duty or have a lower rate than diesel cabs, resulting in additional savings. However, it is important to consider that charging an electric cab at home will increase electricity costs, and these costs can vary depending on location and charging times. Nevertheless, with the rapid growth of the EV market, the price of EVs is expected to become even more competitive in the future.
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Electric cabs are the future
As of 2023, more than half of London's black cabs are zero-emission capable (ZEC), with over 7,970 electric cabs on the city's streets. This is a major milestone for the city and a reflection of London's commitment to becoming a greener and more sustainable city. The majority of these ZEC cabs are made by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), with their TX model being the most common. The TX is a plug-in hybrid with a pure-electric range of around 80 miles, providing a clean, comfortable, and accessible journey for all.
The rise of electric cabs in London is not just beneficial for the environment, but also for the economy. The LEVC's state-of-the-art factory in Coventry has brought job opportunities and innovation to the area, boosting the economy in the West Midlands and supporting the UK's financial growth. The sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be stopped in 2030 by the UK Government, and the transition to electric cabs will help prepare for this change.
While the switch to electric cabs is a positive step, it is not without its challenges. Electric cabs are ideal for short-distance travel within limited areas, but they may not be as suitable for longer journeys or highway driving. Additionally, the availability of charging stations is still a concern, with only a limited number of charging points currently available in London. However, the city is working to address this issue, with plans to bring more electric vehicle charging points to the capital.
London's progress in electrifying its black cab fleet is a promising sign for the future of transportation. The city is setting an example for other urban areas to follow, and with continued support and investment in infrastructure, electric cabs will become an even more common sight on London's streets and beyond. The future of cabs is electric, and it is an exciting prospect for both environmental and economic reasons.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 5,000 electric black cabs in London, according to Transport for London (TfL) data from November 2022. This number has likely increased since then.
More than half of London's black cabs are electric, with the number possibly exceeding 7,970 as of December 2023.
The most common electric black cab model in London is the LEVC TX, a plug-in hybrid with a pure-electric range of around 80 miles.
Electric cabs help reduce air pollution in cities. London has some of the worst air quality in the world, with 80% of pollution coming from cars, and 20% of traffic in London being black cabs.
London aims to improve air quality, tackle the city's health emergency, and reduce emissions by transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet of black cabs.
