Specifications for a retro-looking, but new-tech-underneath Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi designed in and for the UK have been released.
Frazer-Nash and Ecotive, the companies behind this all-new purpose-built taxi said following the in-market trials this year, the Metrocab will be rolled out in London and other key cities in the UK and internationally.
“The all-new Range Extended Electric Metrocab has been in development since the mid-2000s with several prototypes built and over a million kilometers of engineering tests completed,” said Metrocab Chairman Sir Charles Masefield. “Instantly recognizable as an iconic London Hackney Cab, with a panoramic glass roof for views of the city, our new all-British London cab offers, for no price premium, completely new levels of economy, emissions and passenger comfort and is ready to enter service this year, benefitting the passenger, driver, city and environment alike.”
Metrocab also said it launching a campaign this week inviting London taxi drivers to register with the company for real-world trials in the new zero emissions capable taxi.
The Metrocab is powered by a 12.2 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack with a 50 kilowatt electric motor for each of the rear wheels. Full specifications are as follows:
METROCAB REE TAXI
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Overall length:………………………….. 4,905mm
Overall width:…………………………… 1,800mm
Overall height:………………………….. 1,925mm
Wheel base:………………………………..3,181mm
VEHICLE WEIGHT
Kerb:………………………………………….. 1,750kg
Gross:………………………………………….. 2,515kg
PERFORMANCE
Top speed:…………………………………. 80mph (Restricted)
Max gradient:…………………………….. 1:3
Emissions:…………………………………..<50g/km CO2
Turning circle: …………………………….. 7.62m (Meets PCO requirement)
Regenerative braking
DRIVELINE
Peak motor power:…………………… 2 x 50kW
Peak wheel torque:…………………… 2 x 1,400Nm
RANGE EXTENDER
1 liter petrol range-extender engine coupled to generator unit
Fuel efficient urban and highway generating modes
Meets Euro 5 emission standards
BATTERY SYSTEM
Lithium-ion polymer large format cells
Stored capacity:…………………………. 12.2kWh
3kW on board charging
COMFORT
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
