London black cabs go green

The first hybrid electric black taxis are on London’s roads in a bid to improve air quality.

The new TX cabs can do 128km on a single charge, but have a 1.5 litre petrol engine generator range extender if needed which can reach a combined 643km.

More than 9000 of the £55,599 (NZ$108,476) cabs will be in service by 2021 – about half the fleet, the BBC reports.

The TX eCab London Taxi has six seats, contactless card machines, wi-fi and USB charging.

The Geely Group subsidiary London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), formerly the London Taxi Company, says it will save drivers on average £100 (NZ$195) in fuel weekly.

Concern about London’s small number of charging points is countered by London mayor Sadiq Khan saying such stations will increase dramatically, with more than 130 locations being worked on.

The chargers can top up in about 30 minutes.

The new cabs will replace an aging diesel fleet. From January 1 all new black cabs in London need to be electric or zero emission capable under Transport for London rules, the last diesel ones expected to be gone by 2032.