With previous mentions of various electric taxi fleets being readied for the London Olympics in 2012, it surprising to see Lotus have entered the fray later than most.
However, as an article on the BBC website shows, the Lotus taxi is unique. It is the first hydrogen-powered black cab, which releases absolutely no emissions into the air.
Bizarrely, the vehicle is much quicker than the standard Hackney carriage. Whilst most petrol-heads worry that new fuel sources may mean a good-bye to the speedy cars we’ve come to know and love, this Lotus proves the opposite. Whilst, the car takes 15.5 seconds to reach 60mph (we know that’s not quick, but it does weigh two and a half tonnes!), it is seven seconds quicker than most London black cabs!
The taxi’s exterior is identical to most black cabs, but it is in fact powered by two electric motors attached to the rear wheels. However, the main source of the vehicle’s power comes from hydrogen fuel cells stored in the car’s bonnet. Lord knows how much the black cab insurance for this vehicle is! It is the energy from these cells that is converted to electricity. It is possible to power the motor using these fuel cells or by using a standard lithium polymer battery. The battery is charged via reused breaking energy– both kinetic and surplus electrical energy.
Whilst the manufacturer is better know for its sports cars, it hopes that a vehicle with zero emissions will capture the imagination of transport authorities, cab drivers and the public
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