Volkswagen has revealed a conceptual twist on a British institution, unveiling a electric version of the classic London cab.
The Volkswagen Taxi Concept – the latest evolution in a series of ‘World Taxi’ concepts based on the underpinnings of the forthcoming UP! city car- is revealed today in central London by the man behind the project, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the German car maker.
Designed to meet the challenges faced by vehicles in modern cities, with ever tighter restrictions on space and emissions, the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries. With a capacity of 45 kW/h the batteries allow the electric motor to generate a maximum power output of 115 PS, translating to a theoretical top speed of 74 mph.
The range of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is estimated at 186 miles between charges with an 80 per cent charge taking around one hour to complete.
The Concept, which measures 3,730 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, is shorter than the current smallest Volkswagen, the Fox. However its long wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs allow it to have a spacious cabin with room for two adults plus an allocated area for luggage.
The styling of the new concept draws on that of the UP!, Space UP! and Space UP! Blue concept cars and features deliberately tongue-in-cheek details such as the silver Union Jack on the roof and the City of London’s coat of arms resplendent on either side of the vehicle as well as on the dashboard.
Elegant daytime running lights mounted within the headlight units are joined by a distinctive ‘Taxi’ light on the roof. This has two settings – it glows green, indicating when it’s free and red when it’s not.
While the concept doesn’t adhere to current legal requirements regulating taxis in London it does offer an insight into the possibility of a future small, efficient taxi that offers an alternative to conventional fuels.
