‘SILENCE IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE’: Watch LTDA’s test drive in converted ELECTRIC TX4

Image credit: Clipper Automotives

Clipper Automotive, a tech start-up firm that specialises in electric vehicle (EV) conversions, has released a video of a key London taxi driver representative test driving a silent and electric TX4 black cab.

Steve McNamara, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) General Secretary, said while taking the electric TX4 for a spin: “Silence is the first thing you notice.”

McNamara added: “You just wouldn’t know it was any different to a diesel other than the fact it’s quiet.”

The London taxi industry has invested heavily in new EV taxis since new vehicle regulations were introduced in January 2018. Since then over 5,000 electric taxis have been licensed by Transport for London (TfL), leaving roughly 9,000 licensed diesel cabs still working in the capital.

In the quest to speed up its green credential, the taxi industry may have found an interim solution to quickly convert more of its current fleet into more cost effective and environmentally friendly taxis.

The firm behind the technology, Clipper Automotive, was set up by two experts in their field, Dr Alexander Howard and Janosch Oppermann. Their aims have always been to turn diesel black taxis into Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) vehicles.

According to the automotive start-up, certain classes of diesel have up to 60% higher NOx emissions than some equivalent petrol cars. By focusing on turning diesel taxis into ZEC vehicles, the ‘Clipper Cab’ product will look to maximise the volume of electrically-powered journeys and reduce harmful emissions.

There are also other benefits to cabbies thinking about the possibility of an electric upgrade on their diesel vehicles. These include; fuel savings, maintenance that is on average 23% cheaper, emission charge exemptions, reduced noise and vibration and finally increased torque.