The London Electric Vehicle
Company (LEVC) has launched its TX plug-in hybrid taxi in Japan. Redesigned for
the 21st century, the electrified London taxi targets both the taxi and premium
shuttle markets, offering ample space for six passengers, wheelchair access and
plug-in hybrid eCity technology.
The LEVC TX offers more than
130 km of zero-emissions, pure electric range but can cover a total
of 607 km thanks to a Volvo-sourced 1.5-liter petrol engine. The
ICE acts as a range-extender for the 31 kWh battery pack and 110 kW (150 PS
/148 HP) rear-mounted electric motor.
The Geely-owned company claims
the TX far exceeds Japanese regulations for taxis, offering generous cabin
space, a panoramic roof, charging points for mobile phones and laptops, as well
as a class-leading 8.45-meter turning circle. LEVC does not mention
Japanese pricing but says the TX will be “accessible” and will appeal to
operators of taxi and premium shuttle fleets alike.
It’s worth noting that the TX
starts at £ 55,600 (US$ 72,555) in the UK, while Toyota’s JPN Taxi LPG hybrid costs
less than half (3,338,500 yen or US$ 30,310). Japan’s taxi industry has 240,000
vehicles in operation, 50,000 of which are based in Tokyo. There’s also an
increasing number of on-demand passenger shuttle and ride sharing services in
major cities.
The official importer and
retailer of LEVC models in Japan is Yokohama-based Fleetway and Service
Company. Local customers will be able to place orders for the LEVC TX starting
in February, with the first deliveries expected to follow in the second quarter
of 2020.
While the UK remains by far
the biggest market for the TX, the Japanese launch builds on existing sales in
France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and the Middle East. Since launching in
early 2018, the LEVC TX saw over 3,800 sales worldwide.
