Ecotive Metrocab

The Ecotive Metrocab (sometimes called New Metrocab), first presented in December 2013,[1] is a purpose-built electrically powered hackney carriage manufactured by Ecotive, a subsidiary of Kamkorp. The vehicle is designed to comply with Transport for London’s taxi regulations,[2] which, from 1 January 2018, ban new diesel-powered taxis and require zero-emissions capability.

Ecotive Metrocab
Overview
ManufacturerEcotive (a subsidiary of Kamkorp)
Multimatic (under license from Kamkorp)
AssemblyMytchett (prototypes)
Coventry (production)
Body and chassis
ClassTaxi
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine1.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,181 mm (125.2 in)
Length4,905 mm (193.1 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,925 mm (75.8 in)
Kerb weight2,515 kg (5,540 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMCW Metrocab (1987–2006)

The vehicle is electrically powered and has a 1.0-litre petrol engine to extend its range. It is the first authorised electric-powered London black cab.[3] In March 2014 several vehicles were lent to taxi drivers for evaluation.[4]

The Metrocab’s main competitor is the LEVC TX, another completely new electric taxi built to London’s 2018 regulations, and successor to the well-known TX4.

Manufacturing

Prototypes were shown to the press in January 2014 and a “small fleet” of vehicles were running with the taxi operator ComCab in early 2015.[5]

In May 2015 it was announced that, following a £50,000,000 investment, 3,500 Metrocab vehicles per year will be manufactured by Multimatic at an expanded plant in Tile Hill, Coventry.[6][7][8]

Technical specifications

The manufacturer claims fuel economy of 98 mpg (2.88 l/100 km) on the ECE101 cycle, a range of over 348 miles (560 km), emissions of less than 65g/km CO2 per km. It has regenerative braking and can be recharged from a mains electric outlet, as well as by its own petrol engine. It has a turning circle of 25 feet (London taxi regulations specify a maximum turning circle of 25 ft or 7.62 m[9]). It has six passenger seats, with an optional 7th passenger seat in the front. Top speed is restricted to 80 mph. The lithium-ion polymer large format cells have a stored capacity of 12.2kWh.[10]

Peak motor power is 2 x 50 kW. Peak wheel torque is 2 x 1,400Nm.[10]

Trademark challenge

By 2015 London Taxi Company (LTC, now London EV Company), makers of the long-running TX4 taxi, were planning their own electric taxi, the TX5. In June 2015 LTC sued the makers of the Metrocab, claiming breach of trademark. A lawyer for LTC was quoted in the press as saying “It is actually all about the shape”.[11]

In his January 2016 judgement, Mr Justice Arnold rejected all of LTC’s claims. He considered that “both LTC’s registered trade marks, which depict models of its taxis, were invalid and that even if LTC’s trade marks had been valid, they would not be infringed by the new Metrocab due to the low degree of similarity between the Metrocab and the LTC taxi”.[12][13][14]

In November 2017 the judgement was confirmed at the Court of Appeal. A Metrocab spokesman said: “It is a great pity that unnecessary time has been wasted on a false accusation … We have continued to trial, improve and develop our technology over the last three years with taxi drivers in active service and are extremely proud of our decision to design and develop the entirety of the Metrocab here in the UK. We are looking forward to getting production up and running in Coventry following the court’s decision.”[15][16]

References
  1. YouTube: MetroCab | Fully Charged
  2. "Cleaner greener taxis". TFL. Archived from the original on 2018-08-02. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
  3. Hilton Holloway, London's Electric Cab Goes Live, Autocar 11 February 2015
  4. Metrocab Video - Taxi Trade Experience Day
  5. "autoevolution: London's Metrocab Electric Taxi is Offering Free Rides in Central London".
  6. "Automotive News Europe: Ford GT maker will build new London black cab". 2015-06-05.
  7. "Coventry Telegraph: £50m Metrocab deal hailed as 'exciting' news by Coventry business leaders".
  8. "Press release: Metrocab confirms production partnership with global manufacturing specialist, Multimatic" (PDF). 2015-05-28.
  9. "Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Inspection Manual" (PDF). Transport for London. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
  10. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-02-02. Retrieved 2018-02-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Autmotive News Europe: London cab maker takes legal action over rival taxi design".
  12. BLP successfully advises Frazer-Nash and Ecotive in London Taxi Company’s trade mark appeal on new Metrocab
  13. "Field Fisher: Black cab not hailed as distinctive". 2016-02-02.
  14. "Independent: Black Cab trademark thrown out by court, paving the way for 'green' taxis". 2016-01-22.
  15. Metrocab press release: Green light for production of world leading tech in Metrocab following case dismissal
  16. "London Taxi Company loses black cab trademark appeal". BBC News. 2017-11-01. Archived from the original on 23 August 2018.
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