Latest News
After 50 years of diesel power, the venerable black cab is going green with an electric version that's due to go on sale in 2009.
Black cab maker Manganese Bronze will work with British commercial electric vehicle maker Smith Electric Vehicles to develop the TX4E, which is said to have a range of 100 miles and top speed of 50mph. It will use lithium ion batteries and, claims Manganese Bronze, will cost around 4p per mile to run.
However, it will be more expensive than a conventional TX4, which starts at around £28,000, which is likely to put some drivers off investing in the electric cab. A Manganese Bronze spokesman said the TX4E would probably be of interest "to a small group of drivers" unless there was a change in emissions legislation to include black cabs.
A conventional TX4 is exempt from emissions-based charging such as London's congestion charge, despite the automatic model emitting more than the 225g/km limit above which drivers must pay £25 to enter central London.
Dan Stevens
Your Say
Comments: 6 Join the discussion
News archive
Today's hottest stories
Join the debate
Our Say
Autocar's team blogs.
Your Say
Join the debate in our forums.