In a city famous for its black cabs, a green revolution is in preparation.
From 2018, all new London taxis will have to be able to operate without producing any carbon emissions.
It is part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s bid to tackle pollution in the city, while preserving the cab’s traditional shape.
Five manufactures including Nissan, Metrocab, and London Taxi Company have outlined details of the zero emission models they are developing based on electric and hydrogen technologies.
Some of those vehicles are expected to be on London’s streets as soon as next year. London has already added 1,400 new charging stations to support electric taxis.
The mayor said the new low-emission taxi target could slash pollution and help Britain avoid hefty fines from the EU for failing to meet air quality standards.
Black cabs – which mostly have diesel engines – are blamed for creating nearly one third of harmful particulate matter in the most polluted parts of central London.
