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PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:18 pm 
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Metrocab
The new affordable range-extended electric Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation design. It incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety, providing unrivalled efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Developed by Ecotive Ltd. and utilising Frazer-Nash Research’s Range-Extended Electric Powertrain (REEP), the new Metrocab is fully compliant with the London Public Carriage Office's regulations for taxis and Private Hire Vehicles.


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PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 3:42 pm 
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Location: 1066 Country
Welcome aboard Mr CE.

I don't drive a London Cab, so others will be a lot more inquisitive than me, but I will start with;

1) How much will your version cost?

2) How long (in miles) will a fully charged battery run for before the petrol cuts in?

3) Over a four year period how much will your vehicle cost to run (including petrol), over or under the cost of a current diesel engine? For an average London taxi.

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PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 5:17 pm 
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Location: Aberdeen
How often will the battery pack need replacing and how much will that cost?

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PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 8:07 pm 
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What colours will it come in :D


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PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 10:51 pm 
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Location: Scotland
I can get 580 600 miles from 55 litres urban, and nearly 800 miles on a long run in my 1.9 tdi skoda superb, why would I pay through the nose for something that could possibly do 200 miles then be dead, until charged, don't forget taxis can go nationwide.
Why a petrol engine when a small diesel will be better, that could also be used to drive the cab instead of just charging the batteries.
The lighter the cab the more fuel efficient it becomes, that's what's wrong with the former LTI one, miles to heavy, and they only return an average 20 MPG in real life use, even the former Metro cab can get between 25 and 40 depending on what running its doing.
The body would need to be a lightweight composite, be able to carry at least 6 passengers and or a wheelchair with up to 4 passengers, have a VW 2ltr diesel engine, with a min of 150 BHP, man and DSG gearboxes, with plenty of room for the driver, does not need the turning circle as its been dropped from every council in the UK, except for London, easy free updateable sat nav and Bluetooth as standard, and extra wiring plugs for meters and other cab paraphernalia, like 2 way radio or pda.
Lighting all side and tail lights LED, and headlights HID, top sign LED
So if you can provide a cab that can go a min of 500 miles on limited fuel say 60 litres, and does not cost any more than 20K I just might be interested OH and cheap to insure

BTW I test drove the original down at your facility 6 years ago, told everyone the above then, and also let everyone know about 18 months 2 years ago the new metrocab was on its way


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:41 am 
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To get only "Similar Distance" for more expense aint going to cut it really...what Counts is MPG after the Battery goes flat as that where most of the running will be done.


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 10:10 am 
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A lot of London drivers have said try them under real working conditions, you said you were looking for volunteers, we'll bring me one up to the Scottish Borders,and I will run it for 6 months for you, Asda has a fast charging point that can be used, just pm me


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:19 am 
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Location: Twixt Heaven and Hell, but nearest Hell
does the IC engine ever drive the wheels?... if its petrol can it be converted to LPG?

ive said it before, the major CAR manufacturers are also the major IC engine manufacturers, why would they promote (or allow indeed) leccy cars when they have a vested interest in using the current fossil fuels on offer) wheres the true alternative power source?, the world already has plenty of electric motor builders, its generation thats needed

jaguar WAS going to install a small gas turbine to power 4 leccy drive motors in the all leccy jag, vuaxhall's ampera is half way there with a non-drive IC petrol engine, bang the outputs up and dump the batteries!

Id lay money that Ford, GM, etc have a viable long range electric car WITH performance all ready for the day the oil runs out

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:31 am 
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£1 charge = 50 miles, then it goes onto petrol to ONLY generate leccy, not drive the wheels, next step would be to convert it to LPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhIB1oDoxU

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:09 pm 
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:16 pm 
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TheCabEngineer wrote:
gusmac wrote:
How often will the battery pack need replacing and how much will that cost?


Hi gusmac,

My apologies - I am unable to provide you with any figures until official numbers have been released. The purpose of this thread is purely to allow us to let your concerns, opinions and suggestions about what you think would be your ideal hybrid electric black cab to be heard.

Rest assured I will make sure to keep you in the loop when the official numbers are released!


If you are going to sell these things, cost is going to be the most important deciding factor for most owners.
No point saving £5k a year on fuel, just to end up shelling out £12k every two years for new batteries.

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:24 pm 
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:34 pm 
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:36 pm 
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:41 pm 
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