LEVC LCV revealed: new black cab spawns hybrid van built for London's crowded streets
LEVC, the Chinese-owned company that builds London’s new black cab, has unveiled a petrol-electric hybrid van based on the iconic taxi.
With a claimed electric-only range of 80 miles and a further 297 with the engine activated, the LEVC LCV is designed to replace the diesel-powered one-tonne vehicles that currently deliver goods from out-of-town distribution centres to addresses within the capital.
The vehicle was unveiled today at the Institution of Engineering and Technology by LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann and London’s mayor Sadiq Khan, who hailed the van’s compatibility with the city’s clean air efforts.
“I am delighted that LEVC is applying the lessons learnt from designing and building London’s electric black cabs to this new van,” said the mayor.
“Developing clean, sustainable, electric vehicles is essential in order to tackle our air quality emergency and the climate change crisis. London’s commitment to clean air policies is driving our pursuit of a positive electric future for all.”
The LCV’s hybrid powertrain allows delivery drivers to begin their journey through the city’s peripheries using the petrol engine, before engaging battery power as they reach the more polluted centre. It’s a proven model which is already proving popular with cabbies using the LEVC TX.
LEVC CEO, Joerg Hofmann, said: “We have combined our existing knowledge of the urban environment with EV technology that can put urban mobility on a sustainable pathway. Durable, reliable, efficient, cost effective and high quality, that is our new LCV. London and the UK will be first to market, then we will extend the vehicle to Europe and further afield. Our goal is to be the leading European electric commercial vehicle provider.”
“Future urban transport is already changing rapidly and we have a golden opportunity to bring something new and disruptive to this market.”
“The light commercial vehicle sector is the only growing vehicle traffic segment in London. This is due to the rapid rise in internet shopping – the Amazonisation of retail. Every day there are 65,000 unique LCV journeys into London, but mobility must not come at the expense of air quality. London’s ULEZ is a blueprint and all major UK cities will introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020.
“There is huge demand for a medium-sized zero emissions capable light van and the solution we offer will be more than capable of meeting the requirements of a rapidly evolving green logistics market.”
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