Taxi Driver Online

Electric 'eVito' black cabs to be trialled in London

London could get an electric taxi, with the company behind the Mercedes black cab today releasing a prototype. Eco City Vehicles will conduct trials of the eVito cab this year to prove its suitability for use in the capital.

The eVito uses the same Mercedes body and patented rear-wheel steering system as its diesel powered equivalent, which enables it to complete the 25-foot minimum turning circle that is compulsory for London cabs.

Peter DaCosta, chief executive of Eco City Vehicles, said: “The eVito is the first all-electric, wheelchair-accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle and a major step towards our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles.

“Subject to successful trials, the eVito provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles. We have taken on board Mayor Boris Johnson's wish for a cleaner London and I'm confident this will contribute to meeting his goal.”

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IDFIMH

Doesn't say in the article above, but in other ones it's mentioned that the battery has a charge life of 120 miles.

Just about enough to get Mr GBC into work and home again.

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IDFIMH

True, 70 miles each day are from my commute.

Depends how quickly it charges though, we now seem to have dozens of these new charging points in every street for the G-Wizz style cars.

Will every car parking bay eventually have a universal power point, if not where will they find all the extra charging spaces...and if they do, will the cost of parking and a re-charge be even more expensive than the cost of running a Diesel vehicle..more so if you take in a few hours of downtime every day!

Eco do not say how long it takes to recharge the battery.
With my TX1 if takes five minutes,without a queue, to refuel and pay for 300+ miles.
Battery vehicles are a long way off.

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Charlton's lost past http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsFKWGlrze0
London's future? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... rants.html

Its the Battery technolgy thats lacking..making electric vehicles is the easy part, making batteries with adequate charge life and with a good fast charge ability is many years away....its something do with the law of physics i read somewhere or other.