£400M CLEAN AIR INVESTMENT: More LEVC TX electric taxis in London than any other black cab models
There are now more LEVC TX electric taxis on London’s roads than any other model of black cab.
According to the latest figures from Transport for London, 43% of London’s black taxis are now zero emission capable (ZEC) or electric, with 6,352 TXe and Dynamo taxis now licensed in the capital.
Individual drivers and small businesses, which make up the trade, have invested more than £400,000,000 in these new, green vehicles.
LEVC, the manufacturer of the TXe, estimates that since its launch in 2018, the new model of the iconic black cab has saved more than 144,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions globally. With the vast majority of the vehicles sold to date operating in London, this represents a significant environmental benefit, which should be celebrated by decision makers in City Hall, the London boroughs and national government.
This positive news comes at a time of change for LEVC, which recently announced a voluntary redundancy programme designed to reduce its UK staff by 140. This is part of a broader plan to restructure the organisation and to "focus on operational efficiencies and greater cash flow generation". Like most in the automotive industry, the manufacturer was hit hard by the pandemic and has continued to face challenges due to the disruption in supply chains and other global economic challenges.
LEVC is now looking to the future and believes these changes will support the business “as it enters the next crucial phase of its development” and they will “enable future investment into new technologies and products”.
As part of these broader changes, a well-known face in the cab trade, Lorenzo Bugliari has been promoted and now takes a leading role as Head of Retail at Brewery Road. He takes over from Dan Cross, who has now been promoted to UK Sales Director. Bugliari will be focused on continuing his predecessor’s fantastic work focusing on customer-service at Brewery Road, alongside service manager Shane Fuller.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said: “Lorenzo knows our trade inside out and has always been very supportive and helpful to drivers and the team at the LTDA. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him and his colleagues at LEVC to support our members and to build a sustainable future for the cab trade.”
Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, said: “We are witnessing a significant tipping point in the push towards cleaner transportation, with the TX overtaking the diesel-powered TX4s.
“Since LEVC launched the revolutionary TX taxi it has successfully delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution. With each new TX on the road, we are preventing thousands of tonnes of harmful emissions, helping to create healthier and happier cities."
