BYD and greentomatocars have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create London's first fleet of all-electric minicabs.

BYD, the fastest-growing Chinese car manufacturer, will supply greentomatocars with 50 of its pure electric e6 models for trial use in the Capital.

greentomatocars is expecting the 50 electric BYD e6 to be available for its customers to use from the second quarter of 2013.

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "It is my aim that London's minicabs and taxis will be zero-emission by 2020, which will have a major impact on air quality. Every year the fleet is getting cleaner, making our city an even more attractive place to live, work and visit. Encouraging many more electric vehicles is a key part of this transformation, so it is great news that greentomatocars has committed to operating 50 of these super clean machines from next year."

BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu said: "We are delighted to supply greentomatocars with e6 vehicles that will create London's first electric minicab fleet. The e6 has zero tailpipe emissions, so it avoids contributing to the city's CO2 levels and results in cleaner air for Londoners."

Jonny Goldstone, managing director of greentomatocars added: "We are very pleased to be working with BYD on this project. As a partner company, BYD has shown great leadership to challenge the status quo, innovate and electrify mass transport - principles which go to the very heart of greentomatocars."

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