98 MPG Range-Extended Electric Metrocab Coming To London
London will soon be home to 98 MPG range-extended electric Metrocabs, thanks to Transport for London finally getting around to approving them — after several years of work on the topic. This means that there’s finally some competition for the diesel-fume-belching cabs there now.
The new Metrocabs aren’t anything special as regards to what’s under the hood — apparently just a 1.0 liter gas generator paired with a 12.2 kilowatt lithium-ion battery integrated with a rear-mounted electric motor — but the monetary savings are certainly there, as well as the reduced emissions.
Our buddies over at GAS2 provide some more information:
Top speed is limited to just 80 MPH, and with a curb weight of some 5,545 pounds, acceleration isn’t likely to match that of the Tesla Model S… which you can also hail for taxi in service in London, along with a Nissan LEAF.
However, the 98 MPG rating and limited electric driving range (which is unspecified, but I’m going to guess is between 25 and 35 miles) is estimated to save taxi drives between £20 and £40 per day, or about $25 to $45. If you average that out to about $30 per day, that’s $210 in fuel savings per week, or over $10,000 a year. Furthermore, the REE Metrocab produces just 50 g/km of CO2 and its even wheelchair accessible. The interior is much more 21st century too, with big comfy seats, air suspension, infotainment screen, and seating for up to seven individuals.
It should be noted here that the exchange rates used in the above figures are a bit outdated as of writing this — owing to how volatile they’ve been as of late. So the specifics may not be exactly right (as of reading this), but the savings — regardless of the £ to $ exchange rate — will be substantial for those driving these fuel-efficient vehicles over in London.
And, considering that these will be used in one of the most jam-packed metropolitan centers of our time, the environmental benefits via reduced emissions and air pollution are certainly worth noting — taxis are, after all, responsible for a great deal of air pollution in many large cities.
Image Credit: REE Metrocab
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