What will taxi drivers be looking for from a next-generation LEVC London black cab?

As speculation continues over a successor to the LEVC TX which the manufactures say is coming in the ‘near future’, many London taxi drivers are already clear about what they want from the next generation of the capital’s iconic black cab.

The current TX has been widely praised for modernising the trade since its launch in 2018, bringing a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, improved accessibility and significantly lower emissions compared with the diesel models it replaced.

However, rising purchase costs and the changing demands of drivers mean expectations for any replacement are likely to be higher than ever before.

In his latest TAXI newspaper column, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) Senior Representative Sam Houston praised the existing vehicle while expressing hope that LEVC remains committed to the London market.

He wrote: “LEVC has produced, by common consent, the best cab the trade has ever had. And I for one hope they will stick with the London taxi trade and bring out another generation of the iconic London Black Cab in the near future.”

Affordability is expected to be one of the biggest considerations. The cost of purchasing a new purpose-built taxi has risen substantially in recent years, making finance repayments and even weekly rental costs a significant overhead for many self-employed drivers. Any reduction in purchase price, or improvements in running costs, would be welcomed across the trade.

Drivers are also likely to look for increased electric capability, but also look to keep hold of the option of a range-extender. Advances in battery technology since the TX entered service could allow for a greater zero-emission range, helping drivers complete more shifts without relying on the petrol range extender while also reducing fuel costs.

Reliability and downtime will remain equally important. For taxi drivers, time off the road means lost income, making durability, parts availability and an efficient servicing network just as valuable as improvements in technology or comfort.

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Cab space and passenger experience are also likely to feature prominently. London’s taxi trade has long promoted the accessibility and practicality of purpose-built black cabs, and drivers will expect any future model to retain the features that distinguish licensed taxis from private hire vehicles, including wheelchair accessibility, generous luggage space and compliance with Transport for London’s (TfL) Conditions of Fitness… including the much talked about turning circle.

Cabbies will also be hoping for a fully functioning taxi light this time round that works well in all conditions and better dashboard connectivity to devices.

Whether those tough expectations are met now depends on LEVC’s next move. In the last correspondence on the topic an LEVC spokesperson told TaxiPoint on 30 April: “LEVC remains fully committed to the London taxi trade and the continued development of the iconic black cab.

“To date, Geely Group has invested over £1bn in the development of LEVC and its operations, ensuring that the brand can produce an iconic, zero-exhaust-emission capable black cab that is fully compliant with London’s Conditions of Fitness. Its purpose-built design ensures a passenger car-type experience for drivers and passengers alike, whilst meeting key regulatory criteria. This includes side door aperture width for maximum wheelchair accessibility, a tight turning circle for manoeuvrability in London's busy streets, and a vehicle length of less than 5m to fit within today's taxi ranks. All this sets TX apart from many MPV-conversions - often originating from van platforms - which currently don’t meet these conditions.

“The London taxi trade is at the heart of our business and we continue to work closely with regulators, government and trade partners to help shape the future of urban mobility and ensure we deliver the best possible vehicles for the trade, both now and in the years ahead.

“We will provide further updates on our product plans in the near future.”