Called the Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi (eVito), the lithium-ion battery vehicle was developed by a consortium of engineering companies including ECV’s manufacturing partner Penso, Mercedes Benz UK and Zytec Automotive.
One80, an associate company of the group, provided its patented rear-wheel steering technology for the eVito as well as the Vito taxi, enabling the vehicle to meet the Public Carriage Office requirement for a minimum turning circle of 25ft.
Later this year, the consortium plans to conduct controlled trials to confirm eVito’s suitability for road usage as a London-licensed taxi.
The electric taxi is powered by Zytek’s 70kW electric powertrain and expected to exceed a total range of 120 miles in a typical mixed drive cycle on a single charge. The vehicle’s performance is predicted to be similar to the internal combustion engine taxi.
With zero emissions, it is also expected to be fully compliant with the Mayor of London’s proposed new clean air standards for London taxis, due to be introduced in time for the London Olympics.
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