London calling for electric taxi roll-out

摘要

Five manufacturers are planning to launch electric taxis in time for the start of London's switchover to zero-emissions vehicles, with hydrogen fuel-cell models expected to follow. New taxis licensed from 1 January 2018 must be capable of operating without producing polluting emissions within central London, according to a new policy announced by the capital's mayor, Boris Johnson. The manufacturers claim the taxis - most of which will be battery powered with a range-extending petrol generator - will be cost-competitive with current diesel models.