Electric Mercedes Vito Taxi Developed in London

A special electric vehicle test program is taking place in London, where a research version of the Mercedes Vito Taxi has been developed by a tie-up between multiple British companies over the last six months. The vehicle, partially funded by the UK Government’s Advantage Niche Vehicle Research & Development Programme, meets the London Carriage Office requirements, can accommodate up to six people and offers a range of over 120 km on a six-hour charge.

Called the E-Vito taxi, it uses a 70kW (95 hp) electric motor, already introduced on the market by Zytek, that uses a tailor-made Vocis gearbox supplied by Graziano. The electric unit is powered by a 35 kWh Valence Li-Ion battery pack, installed beneath the vehicle’s floor (this lowers the car’s center of gravity, improving its stability). The E-Vito uses innovative solutions such as a steerable rear axle, which provides the 7.6m (25ft) turning circle required by all licensed black cabs in London and a front drive conversion that increases the interior space.

The electric motor was installed on the original engine mounts and requires additional water, high voltage electrics and low voltage electrics connections. It communicates with all the vehicle’s factory systems, including ABS (Antilock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and OBD (onboard diagnostics).

The companies that take part in the project are Mercedes-Benz UK, who donated the base vehicle, Zytek, Valence Technologies and Penso, a consultancy partner.

“We could easily have electric taxis in service in-time for the 2012 London Olympics,” said Steve Tremble, sales and marketing director of Zytek Automotive , explaining that the vehicle uses market-ready technologies.