Developed by Ecotive Limited, the purpose-built Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation design.
The new advanced Metrocab incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety whilst providing unrivalled cost savings.
Banner image: Dee Light Communications
London Taxi Drivers and Boris Johnson are first to test drive all-new zere-emissions Metrocab –
• Leading London taxi associations evaluate and drive the new Metrocab for first time
• London Mayor Boris Johnson dubs it “a masterpiece of British engineering”
• Production versions to be trialled in London during summer 2014
Read our press release PDF (Opens in a new window or tab.)
The new Metrocab is driven by two independent brushless electric motors. A small petrol engine, coupled with a generator - the ‘Range Extender’ - is used to recharge the battery pack or provide power directly to the motors.
Plug-in charging is also achieved via any mains outlet when the taxi is off duty.
Zero-emissions in electric mode and regenerative braking all ensure a low fuel consumption through the course of the working day.
Achieving over 70 mpg on the Public Carriage Office (PCO) Cycle, this technologically efficient taxi offers greater economic benefits for the driver and operator.
Designed from the ground up, Metrocab has the latest technologies in comfort and safety. The new Metrocab has been designed to make the ride as pleasant as possible for both driver and passenger.
As pollution levels rise over major cities, governments are looking to more energy efficient, low emission, modes of transport.
The new Metrocab boasts an incredible environmental record, exceeding current standards. Metrocab can operate with zero emissions, giving it a range of well over 50 miles on its battery pack only.
In its Range Extender low-emission mode, the new Metrocab produces less than 50g/KM of CO2 – significantly better than any other vehicle in the market.
Performance figures that entitles Metrocab owners to a wide range of tax breaks and government grants.
Specifications
Specifications correct at the time of publication. Metrocab policy is one of continuous product development. The right is reserved to change specifcations at any time.
E&OE
- Range extended electric vehicle
- Fully compliant with London Public Carriage Office (PCO) regulations
- Capable of zero emission operation
- Vehicle health diagnostics and status telemetry system
- Overall length: 4,905mm
- Overall width: 1,800mm
- Overall height: 1,925mm
- Wheel base: 3,181mm
- Kerb: 1,750kg
- Gross: 2,515kg
- Driver multi-function touch screen display and instrument cluster with colour display
- Passenger colour TV display
- USB charging socket
- Digital infotainment system
- Hands free telephone
- Air conditioning and heating
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- 3-seater rear bench seat - fore/aft adjustable for more luggage space when required
- 3 rear facing flip down seats
- 1 optional front passenger seat
- Full wheelchair access with integrated wheelchair ramp
- Panoramic glass roof
- Mood Lighting
- Air suspension
- Top speed: 80mph (Restricted)
- Max gradient: 1:3
- Emissions: <50g/km CO2
- Turning circle: 7.62m (Meets PCO requirement)
- Regenerative braking
- Peak motor power: 2 x 50kW
- Peak wheel torque: 2 x 1,400Nm
- 1 litre petrol range-extender engine coupled to generator unit
- Fuel efficient urban and highway generating modes
- Meets Euro 5 emission standards
- Lithium-ion polymer large format cells
- Stored capacity: 12.2kWh
- 3kW on board charging
Metrocab FAQ
COMPANY
The present owner bought The Metrocab Brand at that time with the intent of introducing the all-new, British designed, engineered and manufactured taxi we see today.
Ecotive Limited owns and markets the Metrocab brand, while Frazer-Nash Research is the technology provider.
Frazer-Nash Research, in conjunction with Ecotive Limited, have designed the taxi. The taxis for the UK market will be built in the UK. We are currently in talks with various manufacturers to see this through. Globally, there are many suitable locations as there is over capacity in the auto industry at the moment.
We are currently not releasing a date. The success of the trial fleet in London is our immediate priority, but we expect, depending on the results of the trials, to put the new Metrocab into production soon after.
TECHNOLOGY
A very efficient on-board Internal Combustion Engine coupled to a generator that recharges the battery when the battery level gets low. The Range Extender can also provide power directly to the electric motors.
For more information on the Ranger Extender technology developed by Frazer-Nash Research please visit their website.
Given the latest technology available, batteries alone cannot give an acceptable range to a vehicle. In the world there is already a vast hydrocarbon (petrol/diesel) infrastructure that has been built over 150 years. Using FNR’s Range Extender technology removes the range anxiety of an Electric Vehicle (EV), but maintains the same high efficiencies and cost savings that come with it.
Yes, FNR’s Electric powertrain is 98% efficient and so will be able to stand the test of time. Removable and interchangeable batteries can be swapped out as new technology emerges. The Range Extender can also be swapped out for future technologies (Fuel Cell, Hydrogen etc.)
Depends heavily on driving style and location – around 40 miles (60 KM). Total range of the vehicle is approximately 320 miles (515 KM)
TRIAL
Details of the trial have not been released yet, though we expect to start this summer in London.
Yes, we are inviting taxi drivers to complete the form in the link below. You will then be kept up to date and potentially chosen to drive the cab for a length of time as part of the trial. Details to follow.
Click here to open the trial application form.
We have partnered with ComCab to help us run the trial. More information can be found in the link below:
VEHICLE
The Metrocab is a Ultra-Low Emission vehicle and is Zero Emissions Capable. In its Ultra-Low Emission mode it produces less than 50 gram co2/km and exceeds Euro 5.
Yes – in every aspect and even exceeds the legislation.
COMMERCIALISATION
We currently don’t have a date set for the sale of the new Metrocab. The date is dependent on several factors, including the results from the trial. As an all-new purpose built taxi it is extremely important that the cab is absolutely right when it goes on sale.
The Metrocab is being competitively priced in the current market – there will be no price premium.
This is down to the operator and TFL. The cab does provide considerable savings so there is scope for passengers to benefit from this too.
The new Metrocab is being positioned for both the UK market and the global taxi market. There is extremely high interest from the major cities in North America, Europe and the Far East.
DUTY CYCLE
On average, London cab driver tend to drive 110-150 miles per day as they mostly live outside of London.
Using the new Metrocab can save a cab driver £20-£40 per day.
Not in our opinion. The limitation of the range of a pure electric cab would restrict a cab driver to a limited travel distance.
OTHER
It meets all current regulation and performs as any regular road vehicle would be expected to.
There are a host of beneficial features and comforts for both passengers and the driver. Please refer to tech spec linked below.
Like most electric vehicles, it is virtually silent in this mode. This has not proved dangerous in the market, with electric vehicles on roads all around the world for the last 10 years and more, but if it is deemed necessary, we can easily introduce a distinctive synthesized sound.
Metrocab have partnered with ComCab to offer an opportunity to trial drive London’s future taxi.
As London’s largest taxi circuit, ComCab are well positioned to offer affordable rental packages to drivers.
Click here to open the online Metrocab Trial Application form.
To receive regular updates, please complete the form below.
Due to the huge amount of interest in the new Metrocab, we cannot reply to every message - but we do read them all and value your comments.
