The classic london black cab, it's probably one of those iconic vehicles in the world and has been ferrying passengers around London's capital since the early half of the last century.
But it's now time for the historical relic to become a symbol of the future.
Say hello then to the TX, built in England by the London Electric Vehicle Company Now, as you may have guessed and rather obvious company [INAUDIBLE] is an electrically driven cab capable of journey through London with zero emissions.
Now that's pretty important for a city that's already struggling with pollution.
[INAUDIBLE] with other model features too like plugs for laptops and phones.
WiFi and a built in ramp for disabled access All I need now is to get my first passenger.
[MUSIC]
Here goes.
First ever passenger.
Where to?
[INAUDIBLE]
please.
Hop in.
Thank you.
[MUSIC]
Now I have driven various electric cars before.
The Tesla Model S, for example, with its absolutely ludacris acceleration.
This TX is a bit more subtle, let's say.
That steady acceleration does make it not only comfortable to be in, but it makes very comfortable to drive As does the very lightweight easy handling, but of course this cab has the same famous tight, turning circle of all the black cabs so you can get one that will turn roundabouts or do a sudden u-turn in the road.
What the hell are you doing?
Sorry.
Wrong road.
[MUSIC]
Now I know I said this is an electric.
But strictly speaking, it is a bit more of a hybrid, because there is a petrol engine under the hood.
But that doesn't drive the car.
What it actually does is act as a generator,
[MUSIC]
Giving a bit more juice back to the batteries.
So this can do about eighty miles on electric alone or four hundred miles when it uses that extra power from the engine.
[MUSIC]
You've got the castle just up on the right.
Is this close enough?
I guess it will have to do.
[NOISE] The thing to remember is that this isn't a proof of concept or some kind of trial.
The TX is here to stay whether Londoners like it or not.
New city rules state that from this year on all new registered cabs must be capable of zero emission driving.
Up to 300 new fast chargers are being installed across London too to help the cabbies and of course other electric drivers recharge on the move.
Now I'm not here to review this car.
What will be the point?
It's a service vehicle.
It be like reviewing an ambulance.
When you actually need one and one turns up, you're hardly gonna turn it away because of fuel efficiency or comfort reasons.
That said this is a nice place to be as a driver.
And of course any step towards a lower carbon footprint in the city is a good thing to do.
And it's good to see they've remained true to the iconic design.
