Coventry company sets date for electric taxis
April 24, 2008
The parent company of Coventry black cab manufacturer LTI has moved a step closer to developing a battery-powered zero emission taxi.
Manganese Bronze has signed a development agreement with commercial electric vehicle manufacturer The Tanfield Group to develop an all-electric version of the TX4 black cab.
The chassis for the vehicle are due to be manufactured in Coventry before being shipped to Tyne and Wear-based Tanfield to fit its components.
It will be branded the TX4E, have a top speed of 50mph and a range in excess of 100 miles on one battery charge and is specifically designed for taxi operations in congested urban areas.
It is estimated the TX4E will cost less than 4p per mile to run, based on current electricity prices, providing cost savings over an equivalent diesel vehicle.
The initial cost of the TX4E is likely to be higher than the diesel powered TX4.
Target date for the launch of the TX4E is mid-2009.
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."
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