London's first electric-powered black cabs hit the streets on Tuesday, the British capital's iconic taxis getting a facelift for the modern age that should help cut pollution in the city. The new-look cabs will meet the strict new emissions regulations required for all new London taxis from 2018.
They are replacing the old diesel cabs, with more than 9,000 electric taxis - around half the current fleet size - expected to be plying for trade by 2021. "The vehicle is totally new from the ground up and it's a much better experience both for the cabbie and the passengers," Chris Gubbey, chief executive of the London Electric Vehicle Company, told AFP.
"The ride and handling is much better and it's very quiet. "It's marrying all of the cutting edge technology with vast experience of what it takes to make a good taxi."
The renamed London Taxi Company has been making London's black cabs for almost 70 years in Coventry, central England. The manufacturer was rescued from administration in 2013 by Chinese automaker Geely.
The new cabs retain much of the familiar shape, but are marginally bigger, allowwing a sixth passenger inside The taxis have been brought up to date with wifi, USB chargers, a plug socket and a contactless payment card reader in the back. The new, transparent roof allows passengers to take in the cityscape above them.
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