Eco City Vehicles PLC, a developer and supplier of eco-friendly commercial vehicles and the London licensed taxi, is pleased to announce the launch today of an all electric prototype of the London-licensed Mercedes Vito taxi (Vito), which was co-developed and is distributed exclusively by the Group.
Called the Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi (eVito), the zero-emissions, lithium-ion battery vehicle was developed by a consortium of high-technology engineering companies including ECV's manufacturing partner Penso, Mercedes Benz UK and Zytec Automotive.
One80 Ltd, an associate company of the Group, provides its patented rear-wheel steering technology for the eVito as well as the Vito taxi, enabling the vehicle to meet the Public Carriage Office requirement for a minimum turning circle of 25 feet.
Later this year, the consortium plans to conduct controlled trials to confirm eVito's suitability for road usage as a London licensed taxi.
The electric taxi is powered by Zytek's 70kW electric powertrain and expected to exceed a total range of 120 miles in a typical mixed drive cycle on a single charge. The vehicle's performance is predicted to be similar to the internal combustion engine taxi, making it an ideal choice for inner city transportation and London cabbies. With zero emissions, it is also expected to be fully compliant with the Mayor of London's proposed new clean air standards for London taxis, due to be introduced in time for the London Olympics.
The Group believes that the advanced technologies used in the eVito also offers considerable potential for developing other types of eco-friendly commercial vehicles targeted at urban areas.
Peter DaCosta, Chief Executive Officer of Eco City Vehicles, commented: "The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle to be launched in the world and a major step towards our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles. Subject to successful trials, the eVito together with the already popular Vito taxi, provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles. We have taken on board Mayor Boris Johnson's wish for a cleaner London and I'm confident this will contribute to meeting his goal."
