LEVC TX

The LEVC TX[1] (previously known as the TX5) is a purpose-built hackney carriage manufactured by the London EV Company (LEVC), a subsidiary of the Chinese auto-maker Geely.[2] It is the latest in a succession of purpose-built hackney carriages produced by LEVC and various predecessor entities. The LEVC TX is a plug-in hybrid range-extender electric vehicle.[2][3] Like its competitor, the Ecotive Metrocab, the vehicle is designed to comply with Transport for London’s Taxi Private Hire regulations, which from 1 January 2018, banned new diesel-powered taxis and requires zero-emissions capability.

LEVC TX
2019 LEVC TX Vista in Leamington Spa
Overview
ManufacturerLEVC
Also calledEnglon TX5 (China)
Production2017–present
2019–present (China)
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Coventry (Ansty Park plant)
Body and chassis
Body styleHackney carriage
LayoutFront-engine, Rear-wheel drive
DoorsConventional doors (front)/Coach Doors (rear)
Powertrain
Engine1.5L B3154T I3 (VEA) range extender
Electric motor110 kW (150 PS)
Hybrid drivetrainSeries hybrid
Battery31 kW·h lithium ion 400 V
Range377 miles (607 km)
Electric range80.6 miles (129.7 km)
Plug-in charging
  • 22 kW AC
  • 50 kW DC
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,986 mm (117.6 in)
Length4,857 mm (191.2 in)
Width
  • 1,874 mm (73.8 in)
  • 2,036 mm (80.2 in) with mirrors
Height1,888 mm (74.3 in)
Kerb weight2,230 kg (4,916 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorTX4

Background

Geely has been in talks over the possibility of converting London's black cabs into electric-powered vehicles. The company said it has held talks with UK government officials about the plan.[4] In May 2016, Geely secured $400 million (£308,200,000) for the project, with the aim of manufacturing 36,000 vehicles per annum at its new Coventry, England plant.[5] The LEVC TX electric hybrid is manufactured at a new facility in Ansty, 5 miles (8 kilometres) from Coventry.[6][7][8]

Technical

The LEVC TX is built on a unique platform, underpinned by a bonded aluminium chassis built in the UK, giving the LEVC TX a 32 percent parts localisation rate by value. China and Europe each account for 32 percent of the content, while United States content is 4 percent.[9]

The LEVC TX is powered by a full-electric hybrid drivetrain. It drives in full-electric mode all the time, but is recharged by an 81-hp Volvo sourced 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. The LEVC TX is fitted with a 33 kilowatt-hour battery pack supplied by LG Chem, and powers a 110 kW Siemens built electric motor for traction.[10] When the battery pack has insufficient charge to power the vehicle, the petrol engine is claimed to achieve 36.7 mpg.[11]

The charge connectors are mounted either side of the radiator grille, and are a CCS socket, capable of 50 kW DC and 22 kW AC, and an optional 50 kW capable CHAdeMO connector.[12]

Service history

The TX took advantage of 2018 Transport for London rules that allowed only zero-emission capable vehicles to become additions to the city's taxi fleet.[13] By February 2018 it was the only taxi capable of meeting these rules.[13][14]

References
  1. "TX - Price and Specification Guide". LEVC. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  2. Anthony, Sebastian (23 March 2017). "Electric TX5 black cabs start rolling off the production line". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  3. Allan, Lawrence (5 December 2017). "New 'TX' electric London Taxi priced at £55,599". Autocar Express. Dennis Publishing. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  4. "Geely: we'll make an electric London Cab". China Times. 20 October 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  5. "City AM". 20 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  6. "Coventry - is the UK's 'motor city' still driving forwards?". BBC. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  7. "London taxis to take on the world as hybrid TX5 sets sights on global exports". The Independent. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  8. "London taxi-maker raises $400m to develop greener cabs". The Guardian. 20 May 2016. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  9. Gibbs, Nick (24 April 2017). "How Volvo helped to electrify the London black cab". Automotive News. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  10. "Where Tradition Intersects with Contemporaneity". Automotive Design & Production. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  11. "TX Cost comparison fuel savings". www.levc.com. 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  12. "Levc TX Price and Specification". www.levc.com. April 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  13. Topham, Gwyn (6 March 2018). "London black cabs hail Treasury for scrapping car tax". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  14. "Cleaner greener taxis". TFL. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
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