TAXIS THAT NEVER WERE: Metrocab's missed black cab revolution
In early 2014, London’s taxi industry was introduced to what seemed like the future of urban transport. The Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab, a purpose-built, zero-emissions taxi, was unveiled by then-Mayor Boris Johnson. Designed, engineered, and built in Britain by Ecotive and Frazer-Nash, the Metrocab promised to set new standards in green transport technology.
The launch wasn’t just a showcase; it was a bold statement. Johnson declared that from 2018, all new taxis in London would need to be zero-emission capable, a move aligned with the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) by 2020. The Mayor lauded the Metrocab as a “beautiful machine” and a symbol of British engineering prowess. He claimed it to be “the Rolls Royce of taxis”, promising a smooth and silent ride while delivering a remarkable 100 miles per gallon.
The Metrocab’s REE technology was indeed impressive. It offered a range of 560 kilometres, which translated into significant daily savings for taxi drivers. According to the manufacturers, the vehicle was more than three times as fuel-efficient as traditional diesel taxis, emitting 75% less CO2 and featuring a zero-emissions mode. It had taken over a decade of development and extensive testing, but the result was a taxi that seemed poised to revolutionise the streets of London.
Industry professionals were equally impressed. In April 2014, representatives from the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) and the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) had the opportunity to test the Metrocab. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with praise for its power delivery, ride quality, and handling. The general consensus was that this electric taxi wasn’t just the future—it was the future that London needed.
Yet, despite the fanfare and initial optimism, the Metrocab never made it to the streets. Mounting debts and a legal battle over copyright infringement, which the company eventually won, delayed production. By 2018, Frazer-Nash, the parent company, was ordered to wind up operations due to unpaid debts exceeding £1.5 million. Despite assurances from the company that the project was still on track, the silence since then suggests otherwise.
The Metrocab’s story serves as a reminder of how even the most promising innovations can falter. What could have been a landmark moment for London’s taxi industry instead became a tale of unfulfilled potential, with the REE Metrocab never having the chance to change the face of urban transport.
Comments