Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Metrocab: London's zero-emission-capable taxi Metrocab Home > News Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 14th June, 2015 All-new Metrocab for the UK to enter series production Existing Multimatic Facility in Coventry undergoing expansion to accommodate Metrocab production £50 million to be invested in taking all-new Metrocab to production Frazer-Nash Research Ltd and Ecotive Ltd, the makers of the all-new Metrocab – the only zero-emissions capable black taxi currently operating in London, recently announced that the Metrocab for the UK will enter volume production in Coventry next year with manufacturing specialist, Multimatic, as part of a new partnership. Multimatic is a privately held global corporation supplying components, systems and services to the automotive industry. The company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, and has operating divisions in North America, Europe and Asia, with manufacturing partners in South America and Australia. Multimatic’s core competencies lie in the high volume manufacture of automotive mechanisms, structures and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV) manufactures complete cars as well as body/chassis assemblies for low volume programmes such as Aston Martin’s One-77, Zagato and GT12, the Lagonda Taraf and Ford GT.  Multimatic Engineering supplies customers as diverse as Tesla and Mercedes AMG. Multimatic has a well-established manufacturing facility in Coventry, which is now undergoing a programme of expansion to accommodate the start of Metrocab production next year. Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles Masefield, said: “This announcement marks another important step in bringing the all-new electric powered Metrocab to volume production. Our prototype fleet is already operating very successfully in London, proving that our Range Extended Electric taxis are the solution to delivering on the City’s Ultra Low Emission Zones promises from 2018. Next year we will enter volume production with the hugely respected and experienced Multimatic.  We are delighted to be working with such an established partner to fulfil our ambitions following our significant investment in developing this product and to bring further skilled jobs to the UK.” Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more Multimatic Vice President, Larry Holt added: “We have been following closely the development of zero-emissions capable taxis in the UK, and have worked with Metrocab for a number of years to bring their prototype fleet to the market. We are all delighted with the performance and operational results of this first fleet, and it is very satisfying to now commit to enter series production of the all-new Metrocab. The taxi has clearly been designed and engineered from the ground up with the global market in mind, and Multimatic has the facilities and capabilities to make this a truly international product – a prospect which really excites us.” The Metrocab is available now on the streets of London as a small trial fleet operated, and is the first zero-emission-capable taxi to be licenced by Transport for London to operate on a trial basis as a London Hackney Carriage. About the all-new Metrocab: The purpose-built all-new Range-Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation technology. The vehicle incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety, providing efficiency and economy with significantly reduced daily operation and maintenance costs together with customer benefits including full disabled accessibility, panoramic roof for views of the city, increased luggage space and comfort for up to seven passengers. The taxi is driven by two electric motors, with a 1-litre petrol engine range extender coupled with an optimised generator to recharge the battery pack (which takes as little as 10 minutes while driving). Charging is also available via any mains electric outlet providing even lower fuel consumption. At Next Car we road test cars! Check these out! Holden Commodore SV6 "Sandman" road test ..... more Nissan Pathfinder ST-L Hybrid road test ..... more Toyota Kluger Grande long distance road test ..... more Hyundai Genesis road test ..... more Developed by Surrey-based Frazer-Nash Research, this unique powertrain system offers ultra-low emissions and a zero emissions mode, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and economic benefits including taxpayer funded incentives and grants. Metrocab key features: Over three times more fuel efficient than comparable current London taxi 75% less CO2  than comparable current London taxi New Metrocab <65g/km CO2 >560km combined range Significantly lower running costs, typically saving a London cabbie £20 – 40 per day Zero-emissions mode and home charging via standard mains outlet >10 years in development and over a million powertrain test kilometres Six passenger seats (plus optional seventh passenger seat in the front) Designed to comply with London Taxi Private Hire (LTPH)regulations Metrocab Technical Specification: General Range extended electric vehicle Designed to comply with London Taxi Private Hire (LTPH) regulations Capable of zero emission operation Vehicle health diagnostics and status telemetry system Vehicle Dimensions Overall length: ............................... 4,905mm Overall width: ................................ 1,800mm Overall height: ............................... 1,925mm Wheelbase: ................................... 3,181mm Vehicle Weight Gross: ............................................... 2,515kg Performance Top speed: ....................................... 80mph (Restricted) Max gradient: ................................... 1:3 Emissions: ........................................ <65g/km CO2 Turning circle: ................................. 7.62m (designed to meet LTPH requirement) Regenerative braking Driveline Peak motor power: ....................... 2 x 50kW Peak wheel torque: ....................... 2 x 1,400Nm Range Extender 1 litre petrol range-extender engine coupled to generator unit Fuel efficient urban and highway generating modes Meets Euro 5 emission standards Next Car's great drives! Check this out! Point Plomer Road ..... more Battery System Lithium-ion polymer large format cells Stored capacity: .............................. 12.2kWh 3kW on board charging Features Driver multi-function touch screen display and instrument cluster with colour display Passenger colour display USB charging socket Digital infotainment system Hands free telephone Air conditioning and heating Anti-lock braking system (ABS) 3-seater rear bench seat - fore/aft adjustable for more luggage space when required 3 rear facing flip down seats 1 optional front passenger seat Full wheelchair access Panoramic glass roof Mood Lighting Air suspension Specifications are subject to change without notice. E&OE. Hear Chris Goodsell present Road Ramblings on radio & internet ..... more Top of page About | Car Clubs | Great Drives | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2015   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.