London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is launching its range extender electric TX 'London taxi' model in Japan.
The recently redesigned model is suitable for both the taxi and premium shuttle markets, with space for six passengers, wheelchair access and eCity technology, LEVC said.
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It has 130 km of electric range and a total of 600km due to a range extender combustion engine. Turning circle is a claimed class leading 8.45m [a requirement for licensing in the city of London].
Japanese models will have a panoramic roof and charging points for mobile devices.
Japan's taxi industry has 240,000 vehicles in operation with 50,000 in Tokyo as well as a growing number of on-demand passenger shuttle and ride sharing services in major cities.
"Thanks to its combination of greater space, agile manoeuvrability and far better wheelchair access, not to mention its iconic status as the original London cab, LEVC expects TX taxi and shuttle to be bought by operators who would otherwise use large premium saloons and minivans," LEVC said.
Fleetway and Service Company, based in Yokohama, is the official importer and retailer. Order books open in February and first customer deliveries begin in Q2 2020.
Since its launch in early 2018, over 3,800 TXs have been sold worldwide. The UK remains the biggest market but there have been exports to Germany, France, Switzerland, Denmark and the Middle East.
LEVC will launch of a van variant this year.
By 2022, it expects 60% of the vehicles built at its Coventry factory will be exported.
By 2024, the company aims to have fleets of these taxis and electric vans operating in major cities around the world.
