A Government backed project to reduce NOx emissions in Birmingham has successfully converted its first black cabs to meet Euro 6 requirements.

By removing the diesel engines and replacing with a petrol equivalent, then adapting to run on LPG, significant NOx reductions can be achieved.

The Birmingham NOx Reduction Champions project has been seeking to improve the city’s air quality and introduce a Clean Air Zone. The ageing fleet of cabs is a key area where the level of NOx pollution can be addressed.

Anne Shaw, assistant director of transportation and connectivity at Birmingham City Council, said: “Through the funding the council has successfully unlocked from the Government, we’ve been able to play a part in forming links with technology providers and engineers to come up with part of the solution to one of the city’s major public health issues.” 

The team included individuals and companies with engineering, ECU, software and LPG expertise who spent 18 months working out the technicalities of the conversion.

Specialist independent vehicle service centre Harborne Garage, was a key part of the team that developed the mechanical and software solutions to make the project feasible.

It has secured a contract with Birmingham City Council to support the project, and will be responsible for the conversion of 63 black cabs.

The results of extensive testing at Millbrook mean that the converted taxis will meet Euro 6 requirements for emissions, which for the majority of the Hackney Carriage vehicles on the road equates to a reduction on Nox emissions of more than 90%.

The official launch of the conversion project was on Monday 25th April and was attended by Shaw, as well as members of the Robert Bosch team. The drivers of the first taxis to be converted were also in attendance, with the second vehicle being completed on the day.

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