London Fuel Cell Black Cab Unveiled

The first of London’s new fuel cell technology-based black cabs has been rolled out in advance of the 2012 London Olympics, by which time a whole fleet of them should be up and running.

As detailed to journalists by Kit Malthouse – the Deputy Mayor of London – the black cab has become synonymous with travel around the UK capital, but it is also linked to localised air pollution. “The black cab is a much loved London icon, but it is also a significant source of pollution especially in the center of the city”, he explained.

“This prototype Fuel Cell Black Cab, which emits only water from its tailpipe, is an exciting glimpse of how hydrogen technology could soon play a vital role in cleaning up air quality for urban dwellers.”

London Fuel Cell Cab

The prototype London fuel cell cab blends 21st century zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell components with lithium batteries to create an energy-efficient mode of transport capable of carrying out a day’s driving off a single fuel load, and travelling at in excess of 80 miles per hour. It also has a range exceeding 250 miles.

Refuelling itself takes approximately five minutes and – aside from associated water vapour – no emissions are created as a result.

Fuel Cell Black Cab

The Fuel Cell Black Cab project involves several organisations. The fuel cell technology itself is a product of Intelligent Energy, while the job of blending it into its familiar black surroundings is down to sports car manufacturer Lotus. Among other firms, LTI – London Taxis International Ltd - supplied a number of vehicles that were used as test subjects prior to the prototype roll-out.

London’s initial Fuel Cell Black Cab fleet is due to launch before the Olympics in 2012. In the meantime, five London buses incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technologies will hit the capital’s roads before the end of 2010 and – further down the line – every single taxi operating in London is set to become emissions-free over the next decade.

Both the taxis and the buses represent part of London’s Hydrogen Highway, details of which were supplied by Enviro News in a previous News Item.

See also:

Companies Supplying Green Transport