The car is called Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi and is powered by an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, therefore it has zero-emissions. The vehicles was developed by a consortium of high-technology engineering companies including Penso, Mercedes Benz UK and Zytec Automotive.
One80 company also contributed by providing the eVito with its rear-wheel steering technology. With One80’s help, the eVito is able to meet the Public Carriage Office requirement for a minimum turning circle of 25 feet.
The eVito has a 70 kw electric engine provided by Zytec which gets a 120 miles range after a full recharge. According to its producers, the eVito’s performance is similar to that of a regular London cab, but also has the advantage of zero emissions.
Peter DaCosta, Chief Executive Officer of Eco City Vehicles, commented: “The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle to be launched in the world and a major step towards our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles.
Subject to successful trials, the eVito together with the already popular Vito taxi, provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles. We have taken on board Mayor Boris Johnson’s wish for a cleaner London and I’m confident this will contribute to meeting his goal.”
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