A fleet of all-new range-extended electric Metrocabs will be trialed in London in 2014.
The Metrocab has been designed, engineered and built in-house by Ecotive and Frazer-Nash in Mytchett, Surrey.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, who took an exclusive first look at the vehicle last week, said: “Ecotive, with technical expertise from Frazer-Nash, has designed a unique and purpose-built new Metrocab taxi for London with zero emissions capabilities, which is exactly the type of vehicle I would be delighted to see entering the market.”
Metrocab chairman Sir Charles Masefield said: “The Metrocab is designed as the next-generation London taxi and represents a revolution in the market as the first electric-powered cab to meet the duty cycle of a London taxi, where cabbies typically drive many miles from outside the city – making pure electric cars impractical with current technology and infrastructure.
“Ready now, our range extended drivetrain technology offers the solution London and other world-class cities are looking for.
“We are confident Metrocab will make a real impact in the market and provide a better service to cities, drivers and passengers alike.”
The Metrocab from Ecotive and Frazer-Nash is the latest in a long line of electric powered transport solutions they have marketed.
It is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack with an electric motor to each of the rear wheels.
Ecotive and Frazer-Nash claim it is priced competitively to enter the London taxi market.
Following the trial early next year, the Metrocab will be rolled out in London and other key cities around the world.
Further details will be announced ahead of the first London fleet trial in early 2014.
michaelhutchinson - 19/01/2014 18:36
You're headline reads London to trial electric Minicabs when in fact this vehicle is a taxi not a minicab