Driving a London electric taxi cab in China was an
experience like no other. The sleek, iconic black cab design was immediately
recognizable, even in this unique setting. Built by the London Electric Vehicle
Company (LEVC), a subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant Geely, the TX
electric taxi combines traditional London style with modern, eco-friendly
technology. Although these taxis are common in London, seeing and driving one
on the streets of China was something special.
The TX model I drove was the left-hand drive version, built
in China specifically for the local market. Despite its British roots, this
vehicle was adapted for Chinese roads, featuring all the high-tech and
user-friendly features expected in a modern electric vehicle. It’s fascinating
to think that the same car ferrying passengers around London streets was
manufactured here in China. This is thanks to Geely, which acquired the London
Taxi Company in 2013, aiming to modernize and electrify the iconic black cab
for both European and Asian markets. Since the acquisition, Geely has invested
heavily, reportedly over £325 million, to develop the new electric TX and
create a state-of-the-art production facility in Coventry, England and London’s
famous taxis are steeped in tradition. The height of the vehicle, for example,
dates back to when gentlemen wore bowler hats and needed enough headroom to sit
comfortably without removing them. The TX also features design elements that
pay homage to its heritage, like a collapsible rear trunk area designed for
carrying hay bales—a nod to a time when carriages transported goods across the
city. Today, these elements remain more for tradition than practicality, but
they add character and a story to the vehicle that’s still appreciated by both drivers
and passengers.
The electric drivetrain of the TX includes a 1.5-liter,
three-cylinder engine that functions as a range extender, providing power to
recharge the battery rather than driving the wheels directly. This setup gives
the TX a pure electric range of around 150-200 kilometers, with the range
extender allowing for longer journeys if needed. This configuration was
designed to comply with strict low-emission zones like London’s Ultra Low
Emission Zone (ULEZ), where only electric or hybrid vehicles are allowed to
operate freely. The electric motor offers instant torque, making city driving
efficient and smooth, while the range extender ensures the vehicle can travel
beyond the limits of its electric range when necessary.
Sitting inside, I felt like I was in a small fortress on
wheels. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, designed to accommodate up to
six passengers with plenty of legroom. The jump seats fold down seamlessly,
providing additional seating when needed but tucking away to leave more space
for luggage.
One of the most notable aspects is the focus on
accessibility. The wide, rear-opening doors and retractable ramp make it
wheelchair-friendly, something that has been a standard for London taxis for
decades. This attention to inclusivity is part of what makes the TX a favorite
not only in London but also increasingly in other cities around the world,
including parts of China. The vehicle’s robust build and extensive safety
features have made it a popular choice among private security firms as well;
they appreciate its tank-like structure and durability on the road.
Driving the TX felt unlike any other vehicle I have sat
behind the wheel of. The weight of the car was immediately noticeable; it tips
the scales at around 2.2 tons due to its large battery pack and reinforced
structure. The steering was heavy yet precise, giving me a sense of control
despite the vehicle’s size. The turning radius was tight, a crucial feature for
navigating narrow city streets—a legacy of its design for London’s famously
tight corners and roundabouts.
As I maneuvered through the streets, I couldn’t help but
recall my early days as a driver. In college, I worked as an airport shuttle
driver, ferrying tourists from Los Angeles International Airport to Disneyland.
Driving the TX brought back memories of navigating those large vans, but this
electric taxi felt even more substantial. The instant torque from the electric
motor made acceleration smooth, and I didn’t miss the noise of a traditional
combustion engine. The quiet, refined drive was a nod to how far electric
vehicle technology has come in recent years .
The in-cabin technology was also impressive. The digital gauges
provided all the essential information, while a touchscreen interface allowed
for easy control of navigation and climate settings. The 360-degree camera
system was particularly useful, providing a clear view of the surroundings,
which is essential when maneuvering such a large vehicle in tight urban spaces.
The passengers are separated from the driver by a plexiglass partition, adding
privacy and safety.
Overall, driving the London Electric Taxi in China was a
unique blend of tradition while experiencing the future. It maintained the
heritage of London’s black cabs while embracing the innovations of modern
electric vehicles. For anyone interested in automotive history and the
evolution of urban transport, the TX is a fascinating example of tradition
meeting technology. And for me, it was a thrilling opportunity to drive a piece
of British automotive culture right here in China.
