How long does it take to charge a LEVC TX black taxi?
The LEVC TX, the London Electric Vehicle Company’s (LEVC) flagship electric taxi, is designed to offer drivers flexible and efficient charging options tailored to their needs as a taxi driver.
Its advanced charging capabilities and range of connectors make it suitable for various situations, whether at home, at work, or on the road.
The taxi can utilise a Type 2 connector, enabling slow or fast charging from domestic sockets, workplace points, or public stations. Alternatively, cabbies can also flick open a further flap and call upon the CCS2 connector which provides access to rapid charging options.
When using a DC public charger at 50kW, the TX charges from 0% to 80% in just 25 minutes, with a full charge taking 30 minutes. For slightly slower but still fast charging, an 11kW AC public charger is a practical alternative and can charge a black cab TX fully in around an hour.
Drivers charging at home can use an AC wall box at 7kW to reach 80% in 3 hours, with a complete charge taking 3 hours and 35 minutes. Standard domestic sockets provide a slower solution, reaching 80% in 8 hours and 100% in 10 hours.
To simplify access to charging infrastructure, cabbies can use apps such as Zap-Map. These platforms provide live data on the availability of nearby charging stations, as well as costs and charging durations.
The LEVC TX is powered by a battery that blends practicality with performance. Its range-extender hybrid system combines an electric motor with a small petrol engine, offering a pure electric range of around 64 WLTP miles for earlier TX models and 78 miles for current LEVC cabs. The system ensures cabbies can rely on the vehicle for longer journeys without worrying about running out of charge, while still delivering the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle.
Range anxiety is a common concern for electric vehicle (EV) users, referring to the fear that a vehicle will run out of power before reaching its destination or a charging point. This issue can be particularly worrisome for professional drivers, like taxi operators, who rely on their vehicles for continuous, long-distance work and do not know the number of miles they will cover in any given day.
The LEVC TX addresses this issue perfectly through its innovative range-extender hybrid system. While primarily an electric taxi, the TX features a small 1.5 ltr petrol engine that acts as a generator, supplying power to the electric motor when the battery charge is depleted. This ensures the taxi can continue operating even when no charging point is immediately available.
