100% electric London black cab launched

Dynamo, UK-based vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled the first 100% electric, zero emission, ‘Hackney Carriage’ black cab for London that has been officially approved by Transport for London (TfL), the Dynamo Taxi.

The last time London had a 100% electric taxi was 120 years ago, when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. The Bersey Taxi, was introduced in 1897 and was operational until 1899. It had a range of 30 miles between each recharge. 

Dynamo managing director Brendan O’Toole unveiled the Dynamo Taxi, based on a Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, at the International Clean Air Conference at London City Hall in front of attendees including new Minister for the Future of Transport George Freeman, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Nissan Motor managing director Kalyana Sivagnanam.    

O’Toole said: “The UK’s new car market is experiencing an electric revolution, with record numbers of fully electric vehicle registrations taking place each year. Electric vehicle technology is now a viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, and it’s imperative the UK’s taxi market changes with the times.

“The Dynamo Taxi is the UK’s first Transport for London-approved fully electric taxi and is designed with both drivers and passengers in mind. With a low starting price, and a reliable vehicle architecture in the Nissan e-NV200, we are offering a truly unique solution to the tens of thousands of taxi drivers in London and cities across the UK.”

Freeman said: “Seeing the iconic black taxi joining the electric revolution and help in the fight to reduce poisonous emissions is fantastic. Dynamo’s latest innovation launched today will help the UK continue to progress towards our net zero target by 2050.”

The Dynamo Taxi is expected to accelerate the retirement of current diesel taxis from city streets across the UK, improving air quality. Taxis currently account for 16% of all vehicle nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in central London, according to TfL figures.

London has also committed to being a zero carbon city by 2050, with plans to introduce local zero emissions zones on top of the current ULEZ. Research by the Mayor of London’s office found the London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone has reduced roadside NOx pollution by a third since its introduction earlier this April.