The London Taxi Company has officially unveiled the new LEVC TX, the next-generation version of the iconic black taxi cab.
Unlike previous models, the LEVC TX swaps a diesel engine for a battery-powered electric motor assisted by a small 1.3-litre petrol engine which acts as a range extender.
The new black cab has a range of over 400 miles and, according to its manufacturer, can run for more than 70 miles on pure electric power only.
Chinese conglomerate Geely, which owns both the London Taxi Company and Volvo, hasn’t released full technical specs yet, but says the taxi will be able to recharge from empty to almost full in just 20 minutes when using a rapid charger.
Its design is very obviously inspired by the classic FX4 London taxi, with earlier concepts with more futuristic designs rejected to preserve the iconic silhouette of the vehicle.
Prices are estimated to start from around £50,000 and deliveries start in November, with the London Taxi Company hoping to have up to 150 new cabs on the streets of London by the end of the year.
Although the cab will be more expensive to buy than the outgoing diesel models, the manufacturer claims that its price will be offset by lower running costs and says the hybrid taxi will save drivers up to £100 a week on fuel costs alone.
Transport for London is currently working on building 80 new charging points for use exclusively by the taxis, which will open early next year and with 220 more planned by 2020.