The prominent black taxis are as much a part of the London cityscape as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The latest generation of vehicles has been cruising the streets of Britain’s capital since the start of the year – electrically powered and featuring Brose technology. In addition to seat systems, the automotive supplier provides window regulator motors and closure systems for the electric taxis, which are among the most easily recognizable cars worldwide.
More and more cab drivers in London are using electric vehicles – with seat structures supplied by Brose. This is because the London Taxi Company was acquired by the Chinese automotive group Geely, who have tasked the manufacturer with updating their famous black cab. In accordance with the new energy focus of its mother company, the British firm was renamed London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) and has been producing the iconic taxicabs exclusively with an electric drive since the beginning of the year.
As part of the modernization efforts, the driver’s seat now features Brose systems that have already been proven in vehicles made by LEVC’s sister brand, Volvo. Brose develops the products in Coburg and delivers them to England from its Czech location in Ostrava.
In addition to seat structures, Brose is supplying latches and window regulator motors for the new “TX” model. Following its premiere in London the taxi will be used worldwide. Orders have already been received from Oslo and Amsterdam – and the taxi was launched in the German market in July.
The TX is expected to gain traction particularly in European metropolises with strict emission guidelines. It has a fully electric range of about 130 kilometers. If necessary, a gasoline-operated generator can extend the range to over 600 kilometers.
