Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, the companies behind the Metrocab next generation taxi, announced that Metrocab has become the first zero-emission-capable taxi to be licensed by Transport for London to operate on a trial basis as a London Hackney Carriage.
The first few Metrocabs are now on the streets of London busy at work.
Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles Masefield, said:
“The Metrocab has received numerous accolades and plaudits across the board in recent months, but now it is official – it is the first licensed range extended electric cab for London, and indeed the first in the world. We’re very proud, and delighted with the Metrocabs’ performance, economy and range at the hands of the first few London cabbies to be operating our range extended electric taxis.”
The first London taxi driver to operate the Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab, Preston Morris, stated:
“It is great news for me, and for cabbies across London that the Metrocab is now licensed to work in the capital. The cash savings on fuel are significant, the ride and comfort outstanding, and my first customers are thrilled with the new cab. With its air suspension providing unrivalled comfort, panoramic glass roof for views of the city and silent powertrain, what’s not to like?”
The Metrocab recently won the London Transport Award, in the Taxi & Private Hire Innovator of the Year category.
Key note speaker at the awards presentation, to be held in London in March, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, commented:
“I am delighted, as always, to support these awards, which recognise all that our industry does every day to deliver transport innovation and progress for London and the UK, and congratulate those organisations and individuals nominated for their achievements over the last year.”
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On the technical side, the Metrocab is range extended electric-powered taxi with 1 liter gas range-extender engine coupled to a generator unit and two electric motors on the rear (2x 50 kW).
With a 12.2 kWh battery pack, Metrocab's all-electric range of 40-50 km appears doable, while total range stands at 560 km (350 miles).
"About the all-new Metrocab:
The purpose-built all-new Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation technology. The vehicle incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety, providing unrivalled efficiency and economy with significantly reduced daily operation and maintenance costs together with customer benefits including full disabled accessibility, panoramic roof for views of the city, increased luggage space and unrivalled comfort for up to seven passengers.
The taxi is driven by two electric motors, range extended with a 1-litre petrol engine coupled with a generator to recharge the battery pack (which takes as little as 10 minutes while driving). Charging is also available via any mains electric outlet providing even lower fuel consumption.
Developed by Surrey-based Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, this unique powertrain system offers ultra-low emissions and a zero emissions mode, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and economic benefits including tax incentives and grants. www.newmetrocab.com
Metrocab key features:
98 MPG on the ECE101 Cycle and over three times more fuel efficient than comparable current London taxi
75% less CO2 than comparable current London taxi
New Metrocab <50g/km CO2
>560km combined range
Significantly lower running costs, typically saving a London cabbie £20 – 40 per day
Zero-emissions mode and home charging via standard mains outlet
Evolutionary design, sympathetic to iconic London taxi silhouette
>10 years in development and over a million engineering test kilometres
Six passenger seats (plus optional seventh passenger seat in the front)
Fully compliant with London Taxi Private Hire (LTPH)regulations
Metrocab Technical Specification:
GENERAL
Range extended electric vehicle
Fully compliant with London Taxi Private Hire (LTPH)regulations
Capable of zero emission operation
Vehicle health diagnostics and status telemetry system
