TX5 (taxi)

TX5
Overview
Manufacturer The London Taxi Company
(subsidiary of Geely Automobile)
Production 2017–present
Powertrain
Engine 1.3L I3 (VEA) + electric motor
Chronology
Predecessor TX4

The TX5 is a purpose-built taxicab (hackney carriage) manufactured by The London Taxi Company, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile of China.[1] It is the latest in a long line of purpose-built taxis produced by The London Taxi Company and various predecessor entities. The TX5 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.[1]

Background

Geely has been in talks over the possibility of converting London's black cabs into electric-powered vehicles. The company said it has held talks with UK government officials about the plan.[2] In May 2016, it was reported that they had secured £275 million ($400 million) for the project, which aims to manufacture 36,000 vehicles at its new Coventry, UK plant.[3] The TX5 electric hybrid will be made at a new facility in Ansty, 5 miles (8 kilometres) from Coventry. [4][5][6]

Technical

The TX5 is built on a unique platform, underpinned by a bonded aluminum chassis built in the UK, giving the TX5 a 32 percent parts localisation rate by value. China and Europe account for 32 percent of the content while US content is 4 percent.[7]

The TX5 is powered by a full-electric hybrid drivetrain. It drives in full-electric mode all the time, but is recharged by a Volvo sourced 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. The TX5 is fitted with a 33 kilowatt-hour battery pack supplied by LG Chem, and powers a Siemens built electric motor.

The charge connectors are mounted either side of the radiator grille, and are a Type 2 AC socket, capable of 22kW, and a 50kW cabable CHAdeMO connector.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 Anthony, Sebastian (23 March 2017). "Electric TX5 black cabs start rolling off the production line". Ars Technica. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  2. ↑ "Geely: we'll make an electric London Cab". China Times. 20 October 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "City AM". 20 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "Coventry - is the UK's 'motor city' still driving forwards?". BBC. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  5. ↑ "London taxis to take on the world as hybrid TX5 sets sights on global exports". The Independent. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  6. ↑ "London taxi-maker raises $400m to develop greener cabs". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  7. ↑ "How Volvo helped to electrify the London black cab". Automotive News. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  8. ↑ "Levc Further Expansion Of Fast, On-Street Charging Infrastructure Announced". theelectrictaxi.co.uk. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 2017-07-27.
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