Anyone who’s driven a black cab for a day, let alone a lifetime, will know that it’s not really a high point in motoring. The driver’s space is packed and uncomfortable, the steering is heavy and the body shudders alarmingly.
The new six-passenger LEVC TX Taxi is not like that. Driving it feels like gliding. As we drive it today, it’s powered only by its electric motor, and there’s barely any wind, road or mechanical noise. The 1.3-litre petrol, three-cylinder range-extender engine is off because the taxi is working easily within its 70-80 mile electric-only range. The aluminium-and-composite body and chassis has insulated us from these Coventry roads, with zero trembling.
Punch the throttle on this all-new LEVC TX taxi and you will experience the sort of smooth, immediate response no diesel TX4 could ever achieve. There’s a little lean in roundabouts, but the grip and turn-in are like those of any modern saloon. The visibility is a lot better from the LEVC’s high seat.
The hydraulic, power-assisted steering is ultra-smooth, swift and precise through the smallish steering wheel and of course gives the expected super-tight (8.5 metre) turning circle required by the London taxi authorities.
The large central console and well-shaped seat provide a pleasant sensation of cosiness, security and long-hours comfort. That’s essential. LEVC cabbies will usually spend eight hours a day running up 120-150 passenger miles, with an hour’s lunch break and a half-hour recharging squirt from one of the increasing number of taxi-dedicated 50kW rapid chargers. That 30-minute injection will produce about 70% of a full charge to the 330kg battery.
What’s it like for passengers? Well, pretty damn good is the answer. The TX takes up to six passengers. We don’t have quite that many in the back at the moment but from the driver’s seat it’s easy to overhear their conversation. Chats from front to back are ridiculously easy. If you’re intending to have a secret conversation in the back of an LEVC taxi, you might have to talk quietly as well as muting the microphone, an operation you carry out from the all-new control panel which controls the window lifts and temperature as well as the intercom. In addition to that there are power outlets, USB ports and on-board wi-fi. The materials are of a high quality and apparent durability and there’s barely any pitch, roll or noise.
Getting into the rear cabin is really simple thanks to the huge door. Not only will it accommodate a full-size wheelchair, it’s easily possible to swing it round into the greatly preferred front-facing position.
Some might wonder why the new online taxi is so enjoyable to drive. It’s as a result of the design team being asked to make a good car as well as a good taxi. The design of the structure – anodised aluminium extrusions, pressings and castings, plus cold-cured, impact-resistant composite panels – is equal to that used by Lotus and Aston Martin.
Opening production in the new TX manufacturing plant is set to reach 150-300 cars per week, and they’ll be sold all over the world. Right now, your best chance of seeing and indeed using one will be in London, where they’re already in service. It’s worth hunting one out – but the experience might make you keep your hand down when an old-style diesel taxi comes your way.
