Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi returns for Euro 6 retrofitting testing at Millbrook

The Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi is set to return to the Millbrook testing centre for further Euro 6 retrofitting testing ‘next week’.

The black cab is scheduled to commence its testing and will then be aiming to be run 10,000 miles over a 24/7 timescale as part of next stage testing.

HJS Emissions Solutions, a renowned vehicle retrofit firm, took to social media to share latest details: “Are you interested in the TX4 or Vito Euro 5 to 6 conversion? We are entering a period of significant activity, with further news coming soon.”

The decision to further test the Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi comes as the industry strives to meet the stringent emission standards set by the authorities. Retrofitting vehicles to Euro 6 standards is seen as an effective solution to reduce harmful emissions and contribute to cleaner air in urban areas.

Aside from buying a new Zero-Emission Capable (ZEC) taxi, retrofitting existing cabs to meet Euro 6 compliance standards is seen as one way of future proofing a driver’s taxi. Using a fully approved retrofit conversion could not only save money on fees, but it will also ensure that the taxi is less harmful to the environment.

The conversion is currently available for Euro 5 Mercedes Vito, Peugeot E7 taxis and the LTi TX4. The price of the conversation starts at around £6,000-£6,500 plus VAT and includes installation. Some cities implementing Clean Air Zones are still offering grants available through local government, meaning the cost of the conversion can be considerably slashed.

For the London market the approximate price currently sits at around £7,500 plus VAT and includes installation.

The accreditation required to become exempt from emission zone fees within the LEZ or CAZ is known as Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) and is administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

On a standard Euro 5 compliant taxi, exhaust gas from the turbocharger passes directly into the combined catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter and from there through the silencer to the tailpipe.

On a retrofitted Euro 6 compliant cab, a new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system is installed into the exhaust system further downstream. This incorporates a thermo-electric element which helps to bring the exhaust to an ideal temperature to encourage efficient catalytic conversion. Together with the introduction of AdBlue, which is a diesel exhaust fluid, the SCR system reduces NOx down to levels that exceed the requirements of Euro 6.

SCR is beneficial because it reduces NOx by up to 90% and is one of the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient technologies available.

The retrofit system also comes with a full 2-year warranty and local installation options are being rolled out continuously.