RANGE EXTENDED: How has the LEVC TX taxi evolved since the first generation launched?
It’s been a year since the introduction of the second-generation LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) TX black taxi. While its appearance remains largely unchanged, the vehicle has undergone a significant transformation under the bonnet - or more specifically under the floor in this case.
In May 2023, LEVC enhanced its cutting-edge eCity powertrain with a new 34.6 kWh battery unit, increasing its capacity from the previous 31 kWh. This upgrade translates to an additional fourteen miles of driving range under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), now totalling 78 miles per full charge.
For many London cabbies, this extra fourteen miles may not seem like much. However, it makes a substantial difference in the practicalities of a working shift.
As a taxi driver and owner of a 2018 LEVC TX, the extended range represents more than just mileage; it's about shift duration and potential earnings. Even accounting for dead mileage while searching for fares, the additional ten miles of zero-emission travel can yield around £50-60 in revenue, depending on tariffs and traffic conditions. This enhancement provides more opportunity to complete a shift without resorting to the petrol range extender.
Having driven the new 2023 model throughout July, the improvement in range is particularly noticeable especially during the warmer weather when the vehicle's battery is more effective when compared to colder conditions.
It’s also worth noting that another subtle but important update to the TX models involves the ramp system, which was upgraded in 2022 and is now standard across all new vehicles.
Back to the range extender, it remains a crucial component for now, allowing drivers to manage longer shifts without the anxiety of running out of charge.
The taxi industry is still not entirely ready for a fully electric fleet and suits the current technology offered by LEVC. Until a huge range of 400-500 miles is delivered as an option, concerns over chargepoint coverage and the ability to cover a full shift without interruptions remain.
