Mane Engineering Issue 8 - September 2017 | Page 10

his year we saw a huge step in reducing London’s carbon emissions. The makers of the London black cab revealed the

new Electric design with impressive gadgets and the latest cutting edge technology. The new model can run an impressive 70 miles off a battery before switching to its petrol engine for a further 400 miles. To export the new model, the formerly known as London Taxi Company will become London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC).

There will be around 80 charging points just for the new black cab drivers by 2018, this will continue to rise as more new cabs hit the street, by 2020 there should be 300 charging points.

By 2032 we should see the disappearance of emission producing cabs under Transport for London’s rules. All new black cabs from the start of next year will need to be electric or capable of zero emissions. There will also be an age limit of cabs of 15 years.

Some cab drivers are however, concerned about the huge jump in costs. The new black cab costs around £50,000 (New), the battery alone costs a whopping £8,000. On the other hand many support the new design and are have a positive attitude towards reducing emission.

NEW GREEN LONDON BLACK CAB

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10 | MANE AUTOMOTIVE, F1 & MOTORSPORT | SEPTEMBER 2017