All-New Zero-Emissions-Capable London Taxi Tested to Extremes in Arctic Circle

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Mar 06, 2017, 14:05 ET

COVENTRY, England, March 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New pictures from London Taxi Company (LTC) demonstrate part of the extreme testing programme the all-new electric black cab is undergoing.

Under way now in the lower reaches of the Arctic Circle, the regime to check the vehicle performance in even the harshest conditions will only get more stringent over the coming weeks, with the taxi set to be cooled down in giant fridges to -49°C.

All-New Zero-Emissions-Capable London Taxi Tested to Extremes in Arctic Circle

The all-new electric London Taxi in the lower reaches of the Arctic Circle in Norway, taking part in extreme cold climate testing to ensure the highest levels of quality, reliability and usability for demanding taxi usage cycles before launch later this year.

Geely's London Taxi Company electric cab of the future tested to the limit

These checks seek to guarantee that the vehicle will always start, perform and enjoy class-leading electric battery powered range in the harshest of temperatures. The new range extended electric taxi will also undergo similar endurance testing in extreme heat environments before it is deemed ready for sale.

Quality Director Wolfram Liedtke explains: "Our new taxi is being developed with two key engineering principles – quality and endurance, to meet the needs of the demanding taxi duty cycle. We soon commit the product to series production at our all-new manufacturing facility in Ansty, near Coventry. It will be, without doubt, the highest quality and resilient product in London Taxi's 98 year history."

The testing programme also serves to check the quality of driver and passenger experience in extreme conditions. This means checking that cab heating and ventilation continue to perform to the highest standards – no matter how bitter or oppressive the temperature outside.

Driving experience is also checked – with the impact of grip, drivability and visibility tested to extremes. LTC engineers can then make adjustments to ensure that passengers and drivers have the best and most comfortable experience, regardless of the conditions outside.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary at the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, says: "This new clean, modern, 21st century vehicle will ensure that the world's best cab drivers now have the best tool for the job."

London Taxi Company CEO, Chris Gubbey, says: "Given these extremes of testing – we are demonstrating that our vehicle will be a taxi for London and the world over, capable and at home in any city."

LTC is due to open its new facility on the 22^nd March 2017 thanks to a £300 million-pound investment from parent company Geely.

http://london-taxis.co.uk

SOURCE London Taxi Company