‘Future-proofed electric white van’ announced by London Taxi Company  

THE London Taxi Company is to build a “future-proofed electric white van” after production is underway for its new electric cab following fresh investment of around £25m by parent company Geely – owners of Volvo – bringing Gelly’s total investment to £325m.

The news came hot on the heels of the official opening of its new, dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Ansty, Coventry – where the world’s first purpose built, mass market electric taxi will be built.

Development is still at an early stage, but we’re told that next on the line capable of producing more than 20,000 vehicles a year will be a purpose built, range extended EV based on a proven Volvo electric powertrain to meet global needs of the commercial sector. Plus, it will feature advanced technology to help tackle urban pollution crisis and will target the “last mile” delivery, distribution and maintenance sectors.

The air quality crisis in many urban environments has highlighted the scale of the opportunity and demand for zero emissions capable commercial vehicles in major cities across the world. Electrification is a key component of the global strategy to reduce emissions and the London Taxi Company is determined to apply its expertise in advanced electric vehicle technology, and the taxi market, to urban commercial vehicles.

Chris Gubbey, CEO of the London Taxi Company said: “This is going to be the future proofed ’white van’ that people have been waiting for. Designed solely for the urban commercial sector, dedicated to the people who keep our cities working, it will be clean, competitive and ready for cities of the future.”