Electric London black cab launched in Japan

London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is launching its electric TX taxi in Japan.

The original London taxi has been redesigned in the form of the TX, which combines more than 80 miles of zero-emissions pure electric range with the flexibility of a total electrically driven range of 372 miles - made possible thanks to the on-board range-extender. The class leading 8.45m turning circle allows drivers to negotiate tight spaces and narrow city streets with unparalleled manoeuvrability.

Japan’s taxi industry has 240,000 vehicles in operation with 50,000 based in Tokyo as well as a growing number of on-demand passenger shuttle and ride sharing services in major cities. Thanks to its combination of greater space, agile manoeuvrability and far better wheelchair access, not to mention its iconic status as the original London cab, LEVC expects TX taxi and shuttle to be bought by operators who would otherwise use large premium saloons and minivans.

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC’s CEO, commented: “We are delighted to further grow our international footprint of green mobility solutions with the launch of the TX in Japan. We are reinventing a British icon, transforming the company from a traditional taxi manufacturer to a green mobility company, producing a wider range of electric commercial vehicles. The electric TX will set new standards across Japan in the taxi and premium shuttle market, delighting passengers, drivers and fleet operators alike. We are looking forward to seeing TX on the streets of Tokyo and across cities throughout Japan.”

Fleetway and Service Company, based in Yokohama, has been selected as the official importer and retailer of LEVC models. Order books open in February and first customer deliveries begin in Q2 2020.