The prototype electric version of the Mercedes Vito Taxi that was unveiled in early February is now ready for on-road tests. The companies behind the plug-in taxi – Zytek, Valence Technology, Penso and Mercedes-Benz UK – put the van together in six months (starting with the Benz donor vehicle) and have created a vehicle that can go around
If you want to take a taxi in Tokyo, you now have an electric option. At least if you are in the Otemachi, Marunouchi or Yurakucho districts between the daytime hours of 8:30 and 5:30. The Hinomaru Limosine Company is adding a pair of Mi
For a over a year, Eco City Vehicles (EVC) has successfully been offering London taxi drivers a more modern choice of vehicle in the shape of the Vito from Mercedes Benz (pictured above). Now comes word that the company aims to sell an all-electric version as well. Affixed with the fitting appellation "Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi" or "eVito" for short if you like (and we do, thank you very much), the new variation shares with its diesel cousin a special rear-wheel-steering set-up that allows it
It's said that you can't judge a book by its cover and that adage would seem to hold true in the case of a certain Ford Windstar circulating through the streets of Sacramento, California. This nondescript all-electric minivan, which acts as both a technology platform and working taxi vehicle for ElectriCab Technologies, recently racked up 428 miles on one of Northern California's worst winter weather days and will try to turn heads sometime
When Better Place wanted to demonstrate how their battery switching station would operate they chose Yokohama Japan as the backdrop and now the land of the rising sun is returning some of that love. The electric vehicle infrastructure company has received an "award" to carry out a pilot
The New York Times has taken a look at the suitability of electric vehicles for use as Detroit taxis compared to gas and "other" vehicles. Needless to say, the Times found the EV to be a very good option for the low speed urban duty cycle typical of a modern cab. Compared to gas powered cabs, pulling juice off the grid was very cheap making for low operating costs which are critical to cab profitability. The maintenance costs are also lower, due to the relative mechanical simplicity.
The Philippines is full of tricycles. In fact, there are some 2.2 million motorized rickshaws, which are known as tricycles or traysikels, in the country. Most of these are powered by very dirty engines that don't have any real emissions equipment, and the government recognizes that this is a major problem. To help remedy the situation, the Philippines has entered into an agreement with Leo Motors to create a joint venture to build new electric taxis. A $5 million contribution by the government
Way back in April, the idea for electric green Black Cabs in London was first floated. Chinese automaker Geely is apparently still working on the cabs and the U.K. authorities and watchdog agencies are beginning to pick up on the idea. The Environmental Transport Association in particular has taken notice that many cabs in London are powered by diesel engines, which may be great for fuel efficiency
Allied Vehicles has announced they will debut their electric E7 taxi at the upcoming British International Motor Show (BIMS). The company has been building taxis for some time now and are already quite familiar with the Peugeot E7 platform. They also build wheelchair accessible vehicles and have incorporated this ability into their taxi as well. It will join other Domenick Yoney
A market exists for small vehicles that are easily transported and have zero emissions, making them suitable for indoor use and for use in heavily congested areas. Malls, large business complexes and even large family dwellings could use a vehicle like this. Kronosport is helping to fill that niche market with their fully electric Taxi, Jeremy Korzeniewski
We know there has been some skepticism about announcements from Hybrid Technologies, but it seems they've made good on their promise to put a lithium-battery-powered taxi on the streets of New York City. The company just announced that a converted PT Cruiser is now in full service in the Big Apple.
