Zero Emissions Fuel Cell Hybrid Taxi
With funding from the Technology Strategy Board Low Carbon Vehicle Innovation Programme, TRW Conekt along with Intelligent Energy, Lotus Engineering and London Taxis International have unveiled the zero emissions London Taxi in London on June 7th 2010.
The LTI TX4 is powered by Intelligent Energy’s hydrogen fuel cell allowing speeds in excess of 80mph and a range of over 250 miles from a full tank of hydrogen. With a refuelling time of only 5 minutes, this makes this London Taxi a valuable addition to the environmentally conscious automotive industry.
With extensive experience in safety management and the development of safety-critical solutions, TRW Conekt has provided initial safety analysis support for key sub systems which are employed on the London Taxi TX4 vehicle. Conekt is also providing an Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) system to replace the engine driven hydraulic pump used on the conventional TX4.
Adrian Mitcham, chief engineer at Conekt commented “This project has enabled us to work alongside other experts in the automotive field and engineer an excellent example of how UK organisations can lead the way in the development of reduced emission vehicles. We are all looking forward to the introduction of the first fleet ready for the London Olympics which will be a positive step towards Mayor Boris Johnson’s commitment to making all London taxis zero-emission by 2020”
Lotus is carrying out the first stage of testing leading to the certification of the vehicles from the London Public Carriage Office for use on public roads. It is then planned to have the hydrogen fuel cell powered black cabs completing a development program on the roads of London prior to the Olympics in 2012.
The taxi made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it completed the legendary hill climb as part of the Low Emissions Hill Climb Class. The taxi will be appearing at a number of public events over the coming months including the Millbrook Low Carbon Vehicle event in September.
For more information on the Zero Emissions Fuel Cell Hybrid Taxi project or any of the projects TRW Conekt is involved with please contact us.