Zero-emissions taxi launched
February 16, 2010
An all electric prototype of the London-licensed Mercedes Vito taxi was launched this week by Eco City Vehicles (ECV) plc, a developer and supplier of eco-friendly commercial vehicles.
Called the eVito, the zero-emissions, lithium-ion battery vehicle was developed by a consortium of high-technology engineering companies including ECV's manufacturing partner Penso, Mercedes Benz UK and Zytec Automotive.
Not forgetting that its main purpose is to get around London, the vehicle meets the Public Carriage Office requirement for a minimum turning circle of 25 feet. Later this year, the consortium plans to conduct controlled trials to confirm the vehicle's suitability for road usage as a London licensed taxi.
Zytec's 70kW electric powertrain is expected to give the vehicle a total range in excess of 120 miles in a typical mixed drive cycle on a single charge. It will be capable of up to 75mph.
With zero emissions, it should be fully compliant with the Mayor of London's proposed new clean air standards for London taxis, due to be introduced in time for the London Olympics in 2012.
ECV said that the advanced technologies used in the eVito also offer considerable potential for developing other types of eco-friendly commercial vehicles targeted at urban areas.
Chief Executive Officer, Peter DaCosta, said: “Subject to successful trials, the eVito together with the already popular Vito taxi, provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles. We have taken on board Mayor Boris Johnson's wish for a cleaner London and I'm confident this will contribute to meeting his goal.”
The vehicle not only generates zero tailpipe emissions but also very low noise pollution, he pointed out.
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