Driving the new ‘black cab’

Anyone who’s driven a black cab for a day, let alone a lifetime, will know that it’s not exactly a high point in motoring. The driver’s space is cramped and uncomfortable, the steering is heavy and the body shudders alarmingly.

The new six-passenger LEVC TX Taxi isn’t like that. Driving it feels like gliding. As we drive it today, it’s powered only by its electric motor, and there’s hardly any wind, road or mechanical noise. The 1.3-litre petrol, three-cylinder range-extender engine is off because the taxi is operating easily inside its 70-80 mile electric-only range. The aluminium-and-composite body and chassis has insulated us from these Coventry roads, with zero shuddering.

Hit the throttle of this all-new LEVC TX taxi and you’ll experience the sort of smooth, instant response no diesel TX4 could ever give. There’s a smattering of lean in roundabouts, but the grip and turn-in are like those of any modern saloon. The visibility isn’t: it’s a lot better from the LEVC’s high seat.

The hydraulic, power-assisted steering is ultra-smooth, quick and precise through the smallish steering wheel and of course gives the expected super-tight (8.5 metre) turning circle required by the London taxi authorities.

The big central console and well-shaped seat deliver a pleasing sensation of cosiness, security and long-hours comfort. That’s essential. LEVC cabbies will typically spend eight hours a day running up 120-150 passenger miles, with an hour’s lunch break and a half-hour recharging squirt from one of the increasing number of taxi-dedicated 50kW rapid chargers. That 30-minute injection will provide about 70% of a full charge to the 330kg battery.

What’s it like for passngers? Well, pretty damn good is the answer. The TX takes up to six passengers. We don’t have quite that many in the back at the moment but from the driver’s seat it’s easy to hear their conversation. Chats from front to back are ridiculously easy. If you’re planning a secret conversation in the back of an LEVC taxi, you might have to talk quietly as well as muting the microphone, an operation you carry out from the all-new control panel which handles the window lifts and temperature as well as the intercom. On top of that there are power outlets, USB ports and on-board wi-fi. The materials are of a high quality and apparent durability and there’s hardly any pitch, roll or noise.

Getting into the rear cabin is really easy thanks to the huge door. Not only will it accommodate a full-size wheelchair, it’s easily possible to swing it round into the greatly favoured front-facing position.

Some might wonder why the new taxi is so good to drive. It’s because the design team was asked to make a good car as well as a good taxi. The design of the structure – anodised aluminium extrusions, pressings and castings, plus cold-cured, impact-resisting composite panels – is the same as that used by Lotus and Aston Martin.

Initial production in the new TX manufacturing plant is set to reach 150-300 cars per week, and they’ll be sold all over the world. Right now, your best chance of seeing and indeed using one will be in London, where they’re already in operation. It’s worth seeking one out – but the experience might make you keep your hand down when an old-style diesel taxi comes your way.