LEVC TX


The LEVC TX is a purpose-built hackney carriage manufactured by the London EV Company, a subsidiary of the Chinese auto-maker Geely. It is the latest in a succession of purpose-built hackney carriages produced by LEVC and various predecessor entities. The LEVC TX is a plug-in hybrid range-extender electric vehicle. Like its competitor, the Ecotive Metrocab, the vehicle is designed to comply with Transport for London’s Taxi Private Hire regulations, which from 1 January 2018, banned new diesel-powered taxis and requires zero-emissions capability.

Background

Geely has been in talks over the possibility of converting London's black cabs into electric-powered vehicles. The company said it has held talks with UK government officials about the plan. In May 2016, Geely secured $400 million for the project, with the aim of manufacturing 36,000 vehicles per annum at its new Coventry, England plant. The LEVC TX electric hybrid is manufactured at a new facility in Ansty, from Coventry.

Technical

The LEVC TX is built on a unique platform, underpinned by a bonded aluminium chassis built in the UK, giving the LEVC TX a 32 percent parts localisation rate by value. China and Europe each account for 32 percent of the content, while United States content is 4 percent.
The LEVC TX is powered by a full-electric hybrid drivetrain.
It drives in full-electric mode all the time, but is recharged by an 81-hp Volvo sourced 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.
The LEVC TX is fitted with a 33 kilowatt-hour battery pack supplied by LG Chem, and powers a 110 kW Siemens built electric motor for traction.
When the battery pack has insufficient charge to power the vehicle, the petrol engine is claimed to achieve 36.7 mpg.
The charge connectors are mounted either side of the radiator grille, and are a CCS socket, capable of 50 kW DC and 22 kW AC, and an optional 50 kW capable CHAdeMO connector.

Service history

The TX took advantage of 2018 Transport for London rules that allowed only zero-emission capable vehicles to become additions to the city's taxi fleet. By February 2018 it was the only taxi capable of meeting these rules.