Black cabs go green
Published : April 2008
The manufacturer behind London’s famous black cabs has announced plans to develop a battery powered taxi.
Manufacturer Manganese Bronze has teamed up with electric vehicles specialist The Tanfield Group to develop the TX4E, which will be a zero-emission version of Manganese’s current TX4 cab. With a top speed of 50mph and the ability to cover around 100 miles on one battery charge, the taxi will be “specifically designed for taxi operations in congested urban areas.”
Manganese estimates that the taxi will cost less than 4p per mile to run, which it hopes will offset its initial high cost – although no purchase price has yet been quoted, it is likely that it will cost more than the TX4, which starts at £28,000.
John Russell, chief executive officer of Manganese Bronze, said: “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement to produce a zero emission London black taxi. Manganese Bronze is committed to playing a leading role in tackling emissions and the TX4E is an exciting new development that gives us first mover advantage in an expanding global marketplace.”
The taxi will be manufactured in the UK and launch is expected to be mid 2009.