London's Iconic Black Cab to Go Green by 2017

The London Taxi Company's timeless black cab is a phenomenon that is well-known across the globe. The quintessentially British mode of transport is now looking to usher in an era of change as the Chinese automaker Geely-owned company unveiled the new black TX5 cab on Wednesday in London. Giving up diesel, the TX5 will be powered by hybrid technology. The "range extended battery electric vehicle system" will ensure the new Black Cab will be emissions-free.

One must note, London is set to introduce zero-emissions requirement for taxis in 2018.

Designed at Geely's design centre in Barcelona, though the new black cab retains the iconic styling of the London black cab, it gets a myriad of contemporary feature including new light-weight aluminium body structure and composite panelling. The TX5 black cab will also mark the return of the rear-hinged door. Other than that, it will also get a panoramic glass roof, space for a forward facing wheelchair, charging points, and WiFi connectivity.

Peter Johansen, CEO, The London Taxi Company, said, "We are hugely excited to be unveiling the TX5 prototype design for the first time and in such high company. The new vehicle has a wealth of new features, which will all be tried and tested and then tested again to provide a perfect balance of timeless design driven by ground-breaking technology."

The London Taxi Company will launch the TX5 black cab in the UK by the end of 2017, which will then be followed by the model's introduction across international markets in 2018.