A consortium of engineering companies including Penso, Mercedes Benz UK and Zytec Automotive have developed the new zero-emission Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi (eVito) that runs on a lithium-ion battery. One80, an associate company of Eco City has provided its patented rear-wheel steering technology for the eVito and the Vito taxi.
Peter DaCosta, CEO of Eco City Vehicles, said: ”The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair accessible taxi with a 25ft turning circle to be launched in the world and a major step towards our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles.”
The consortium intends to organize controlled trials to ensure eVito’s competency for road usage as a London licensed taxi.
The electric taxi is powered by Zytek’s 70kW electric powertrain and expected to exceed a total range of 120 miles in a typical mixed drive cycle on a single charge. The vehicle’s performance is predicted to be similar to the internal combustion engine taxi.
The company added that the vehicle is also expected to comply with with the Mayor of London’s proposed new clean air standards for London taxis, due to be introduced in time for the London Olympics.
Mr DaCosta added, ”Subject to successful trials, the eVito together with the already popular Vito taxi, provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles. We have taken on board Mayor Boris Johnson’s wish for a cleaner London and I’m confident this will contribute to meeting his goal.”
