EcoVelocity calculated the figure based on the CO2 emissions of London’s 22,000 registered black cabs but the figure would more than triple if London’s PHVs (Private Hire Vehicles or ‘minicabs’) also went electric.
According to a statement, the study took into account the relative CO2 emissions of the three most common Hackney carriages on the capital’s roads — the TXI, TX II and TX4 cars built by manufacturer, Manganese Bronze — as well as the average mileage.
Road transport is responsible for around 80 per cent of airborne pollution in central London, where air quality is claimed to be worst, and black cabs are said to account for 20 per cent of that pollution.
EcoVelocity event director, Giles Brown, said: ‘Black cabs are one of the most common vehicles to see on London’s roads so it’s not surprising that they contribute a large proportion of the capital’s pollution.
‘The amazing figures we’ve uncovered with this study illustrate clearly what a huge difference can be made to our quality of life by making a change.’
Manganese Bronze announced in 2008 that it would work on an electric version of its newest black cab, the TX4, and Eco City Vehicles last year unveiled a prototype of an all-electric version of the London-licensed Mercedes Vito taxi after launching the low-emissions diesel Vito.
Run by IMIE, the EcoVelocity Show will be held at Battersea Power Station on September 8–11.
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