A London icon is about to become a familiar sight in Japan, as London Electric Vehicle (LEVC) launches its electric TX model at an exclusive event in Tokyo. LEVC says the original London taxi, now totally redesigned for the 21^st Century, is a purpose-built high-quality model suitable for both the taxi and premium shuttle markets, with ample space for six passengers, wheelchair access and renowned eCity technology.

The TX combines more than 130 km (about 80 miles) of zero-emissions pure electric range with the flexibility of a total electrically driven range of 600km (about 370 miles) – made possible thanks to the on-board range-extender. The 8.45m turning circle allows drivers to negotiate tight spaces and narrow city streets with unparalleled manoeuvrability.

Japan’s taxi industry has 240,000 vehicles in operation with 50,000 based in Tokyo as well as a growing number of on-demand passenger shuttle and ride sharing services in major cities. Thanks to its combination of greater space, agile manoeuvrability and far better wheelchair access, not to mention its iconic status as the original London cab, LEVC expects TX taxi and shuttle to be bought by operators who would otherwise use large premium saloons and minivans.

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC’s CEO, commented: “We are delighted to further grow our international footprint of green mobility solutions with the launch of the TX in Japan. We are reinventing a British icon, transforming the company from a traditional taxi manufacturer to a green mobility company, producing a wider range of electric commercial vehicles. The electric TX will set new standards across Japan in the taxi and premium shuttle market, delighting passengers, drivers and fleet operators alike. We are looking forward to seeing TX on the streets of Tokyo and across cities throughout Japan.”

Fleetway and Service Company, based in Yokohama, has been selected as the official importer and retailer of LEVC models. Order books open in February and first customer deliveries begin in Q2 2020.

Since its launch in early 2018, over 3,800 TXs have been sold worldwide. The UK remains the biggest market, but LEVC’s expansion into new export markets continues at pace. The Japanese launch of the TX builds on existing sales in overseas territories such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Denmark and the Middle East.

LEVC’s range will grow further in 2020 with the launch of a new electric van, based on the TX Taxi and sharing the same eCity technology.

By 2022, LEVC expects that 60 percent of the vehicles built at its Coventry factory will be for export while the remaining 40 percent will service the UK. By 2024, the company aims to have fleets of TXs and electric vans operating in major cities around the world.