Volkswagen’s electric vision of the London Black Cab

Volkswagen’s electric vision of the London Black Cab

Here’s Volkswagen’s vision of the famous London Black Cab, an all black rendition of the Milano Taxi Concept that came out in April. Based on the underpinnings of the forthcoming UP! city car, it was recently unveiled in the British capital by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design at Volkswagen.

The Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries. With a capacity of 45 kW/h the batteries allow the electric motor to generate a maximum power output of 115 PS, translating to a theoretical top speed of 120 km/h. The range is estimated at 300 km between charges with an 80% charge taking around one hour to complete.

Volkswagen’s electric vision of the London Black Cab

The concept measures 3,730 mm long, 1,680 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall. That makes it shorter than the VW Fox although its long wheelbase and minimal overhangs allow for a spacious cabin with room for two adults plus a luggage area. The major functions of the vehicle (climate, entertainment and fare information) are shown on a touchscreen display next to the driver. A similar screen relays information to the passengers.

The styling is similar to the UP! concept cars and features cool details such as the silver Union Jack on the roof and the City of London’s coat of arms. It’s a cab, so the ‘Taxi’ light on the roof glows green when it’s available and red when it’s not. Gallery after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=1801]

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • clone on Dec 16, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    I wonder why Gov didn’t want to implement new policies by having same standard vehicle as a taxi? If Proton and Perodua unable to design such vehicle why not outsource it? This concept by VW quite promising, except the power plant, it should be equip with Range-Extender variance.

    This is just my humble opinion.

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    • Francis on Dec 16, 2010 at 5:45 pm

      Upcoming new Exora EV, the gov should do something on this, instead giving those taxi running on NGV, why not replace with electric cars? Zero emission, greener country

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  • rally_fan on Dec 16, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    nice idea and concept. but the rear space and legroom can’t match the existing london cabs though.

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  • toooatooo on Dec 16, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    One of the smartest concept ever made, and it looked handsome too.

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  • unveiled in london but still left hand drive ;-)

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  • Hasmizal on Dec 16, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    Kalaulah kat Malaysia, Proton jadikan Saga Elektrik sebagai teksi, jadi mungkin kos tambang teksi boleh dikurangkan sikit sebab tidak menggunakan petrol yang semakin naik sekarang.

    Sekadar pendapat.

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    • xenith on Dec 16, 2010 at 7:25 pm

      Aren’t taxis running on NGV most of the time?

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      • i think not most cost taxi especially in klang valley r maintenance..n most time they want fare increase is bcoz high maintenance….wat u think if now they using EV taxi? but EV vehicle is the future(either polymer,fuel cell, solar, acid or wat ever)

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  • tooyoottt on Dec 16, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    when can we see this taxi in our boleh land?? awsome! i mean the whole malaysia, not just KL..

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  • small car on Dec 16, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    a cap? what a waste!

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