Electric vans to be developed at new taxi factory

London Taxi Company is planning to develop range-extended light commercial electric vans in addition to electric cabs.

At the opening of the company’s new electric taxi plant in Coventry, it was announced that £30 million will be invested to produce the electric vans.

They will be aimed at the ‘last mile’ freight and deliveries market to “support cities in tackling the pollution crisis in urban areas”.

The additional funding will bring the total investment in the EV factory to £325 million.

The first electric black cabs are expected to be rolled out on London roads towards the end of the year as more clean air zones and low emission zones are expected to appear in the next few years.

LTC has not yet announced a production timeline, capacity nor an estimated cost for its electric vans, however, which are currently still in the research and development stage.

Carl-Peter Forster, LTC chairman, said: “In addition to our brand-new taxi, the manufacturing of this all new light commercial van is a transformative step for the company as we will move from a single product, single market organisation to a multi-product, multi market organisation.

"We remain absolutely committed to designing and manufacturing dedicated, range extended EVs that build upon our deep knowledge of advanced technologies and the needs of the urban commercial sector."