New electric taxi tested in arctic conditions to maximize quality

London Taxi Company has tested its new electric black cab in arctic conditions as part of a new programme.

The regime checks vehicle performance in harsh conditions and will test the electric model in colder conditions in the coming weeks.

The taxi has been tested in the lower reaches of the Arctic Circle in Norway, at a temperature of -15 degrees celsius. This is to ensure that the battery and range of the vehicle are not affected by cold weather.

It also serves to check the quality of driver and passenger experience to make sure that cab heating and ventilation is to the highest standards. The impact of grip, drivability and visibility is also looked at.

The results will allow London Taxi Company engineers to make relevant adjustments to the model.

Production will soon take place at a new manufacturing facility in Ansty, near Coventry, which is set to open in the coming weeks.

The vehicle is also set to be cooled down in giant fridges to -49 degrees celsius to make sure the car will always start after the coldest nights.

It will also undergo similar endurance tests in extreme heat environments before going on sale.

London Taxi Company CEO, Chris Gubbey, commented: “2017 is a momentous year for the London Taxi Company, and I am very proud to be leading the business at such an exciting time.

“Our brand new manufacturing facility in Ansty is now complete and will be officially opened later this month, and shortly after the all-new range extended taxi will enter series production.

“The first dedicated and zero-emissions-capable taxi in the world to enter series production.”

Gubbey added: “Given these extremes of testing - both in hot and cold climates - we demonstrate that our vehicle will be a taxi for London and the world over, capable and at home in any city.”