Mercedes-Benz EQV: The future UK Black Taxi convert?

It’s got the range. It’s got the charging capability. Has it got a competitive price for the taxi market?

Mercedes-Benz Vans first presented the Concept EQV as a study at the Geneva Motor Show back in March 2019. Now fast forward to August, the series version of the Mercedes-Benz EQV is celebrating its debut. The next member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emissions-free capability and the highly impressive driving abilities, functionality and design as you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz.

The new Mercedes-Benz EQV, which is being tipped as the vehicle most likely to become Mercedes offering as a taxi in the UK market, will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's IAA in September. The most eye catching news surrounding its design is the massive 405 kilometres range, thats 252 miles to us in the UK, although it must be noted that these remain provisional figures from Mercedes. Another impressive feature of the vehicle is the impressive rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour. 

The price of the vehicle as a non-modified van is however expected to start at £60,000. Whether the EVQ can make the conversion to a wheelchair accessible black cab at a cost that drivers are willing to pay, remains the big question.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: "Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character"

Images: Mercedes-Benz