Coventry-based vehicle manufacturer Dynamo has unveiled the first Transport for London-approved all-electric taxi for the UK capital.
The vehicle was launched at London City Hall by Dynamo managing director Brendan O’Toole in front of new minister for the future of transport George Freeman, mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Nissan Motor GB managing director Kalyana Sivagnanam.
The last time London had a fully-electric taxi was 120 years ago, when the Bersey Taxi was introduced in 1897. That vehicle had a 30-mile range and was operational until 1899.
Based on the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, the Dynamo Taxi has a range of up to 187 miles from a single charge, which is above the daily average of 90-120 miles London taxi drivers cover, and is compatible with 50kW CHAdeMO rapid charging.
According to Dynamo, the zero-emission cab will cost drivers between £3 and £6 in electricity to cover the full 187 miles, which is significantly less than the £25 in fuel drivers reportedly spend each day to travel between 90-120 miles.
And while the vehicle costs £55,495, it is eligible for £7,500 in government funding, which lowers the price to £47,995.
Dynamo’s O’Toole said: “Electric vehicle technology is now a viable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles, and it’s imperative the UK’s taxi market changes with the times. With a low starting price, and a reliable vehicle architecture in the Nissan e-NV200, we are offering a truly unique solution to the tens of thousands of taxi drivers in London and cities across the UK.”
Dynamo has re-engineered the interior of the e-NV200 Evalia MPV specifically for the taxi market. Capable of carrying up to five passengers, it features contactless payment solutions, a built-in infotainment system, heated seats and steering wheel, custom-built passenger seating, wheelchair accessibility and an enlarged glass roof for extra lighting.
To meet TfL approval, Dynamo has reduced the vehicle’s turning circle to meet TfL’s 25ft turning circle requirement, allowing it to tackle tight London streets.
What’s more, the Dynamo Taxi comes with Nissan’s eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty; five-year, 60,000 mile warranty on EV dedicated components; and three-year, 60,000-mile general warranty.
Drivers can currently view the taxi at Dynamo’s London dealership in Colindale, which opened in June. Deliveries of the first Dynamo Taxis begun in October 2019.
