Electric taxi cab gears up for a London launch
ELECTRIC taxis could soon hit London’s streets, after a prototype model was unveiled yesterday.
Britain’s Eco City Vehicles has launched an electric prototype of the Mercedes Vito taxi, which it will trial later this year to test its suitability for use as part of London’s iconic black taxi fleet.
“The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle to be launched in the world and a major step toward our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles,” said Eco City boss Peter DaCosta.
Since its launch in 2008, the Mercedes Vito has proved to be a serious competitor to Manganese Bronze, the maker of London’s traditional black taxis. The Vito now has a 30 percent share of new black cab taxi sales in London.