Why the LEVC TX taxi electric and petrol generator works perfectly within an industry of unpredictable mileage
Updated: 1 day ago
The LEVC TX taxi is not fully electric for good reason. Designed as a range-extender vehicle, it offers a middle ground between traditional combustion engines and fully electric power. Unlike conventional hybrids, the LEVC TX’s wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor. However, it also includes a petrol engine that functions solely as a generator, stepping in when the battery’s charge is depleted beyond a certain level.
This setup provides a practical solution for taxi drivers, whose work involves unpredictable routes and distances. The petrol engine, a Volvo-designed 1.5-litre unit with 81hp, ensures that longer journeys or situations where charging points are inaccessible do not disrupt operations. For taxi drivers, time equates to revenue, and the flexibility to rely on a petrol generator when necessary helps minimise shift downtime.
The barriers to fully electric taxis in the UK are primarily infrastructural. Public EV charging points are limited and unreliable, making it difficult for drivers to charge vehicles during shifts. High electricity costs, compounded by 20% VAT on public charging, further deter drivers. Many black cab operators also lack access to off-street parking, precluding the use of home chargers for overnight recharging.
For taxis requiring significant daily mileage, fully electric models remain impractical due to charging times. A 300-mile range battery, for instance, could take over 10 hours to recharge on a standard home setup. This would be unfeasible for vehicles in near-constant use, forcing drivers to rely on costly rapid chargers during working hours.
The original TX came with a 33kWh battery, offering a 64-mile range under the WLTP standard. The updated model now features a 34.6kWh battery with improved efficiency, extending the electric range to 78 miles—22% more than before. For drivers covering 70 to 150 miles daily, the new battery can effectively handle a pure workload on electric power alone. However, longer shifts or commutes from outside city centres often require a mix of battery and petrol power.
Until the UK resolves the issues of charging infrastructure, costs, and range limitations, fully electric taxis are unlikely to dominate the market. For now, electric hybrid systems like the LEVC TX represent a more feasible alternative for the taxi industry.
