London Taxi Fleet To Go Hybrid FCV Before 2012 Olympics
May 28, 2008
A joint partnership between Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt will work to convert a fleet of London taxis to combined hybrid-electric and fuel cell vehicles in time for the 2012 Olympics. The program is being funded in part by the British government as part of a larger, low-carbon vehicle research and development program.
The hybrid-electric and fuel-cell taxis can operate for an entire day without refueling and will achieve a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The conversion is expected to improve the vehicles’ acceleration over conventional taxis. The fleet will use a central refueling station.
By using taxis, the group hopes to illustrate the commercial viability of hybrid-electric and fuel-cell technologies and promote the use of the technologies to reduce emissions, encourage other zero-emission applications and increase the number of zero emission taxicabs operating in other cities by 2014. The group has also successfully converted motorcycles, delivery vehicles and aircraft into zero-emission vehicles.
Among the other areas of research, the group hops to develop a durable fuel-cell engine and electrical drive systems for fleet vehicles; test refueling, hot and cold start systems; and provide safety analysis on braking and steering for the vehicles.
Photo Credit: Steve Woods
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