All-New LEVC 'Black Cab' Taxi Confirmed for 2027 Launch Date
A bold new era for the iconic ‘Black Cab’ will commence in 2027 after LEVC confirmed development of its next generation ‘Hackney Carriage’ taxi is well underway.
The new, as-yet-unnamed successor for the current TX taxi model is due to make its public debut during the second half of 2027, according to the London EV Company (LEVC).
While LEVC wasn’t giving away too much about the finer details for now, it did offer a glimpse at the revamped design, releasing two shadowy images that show a circular headlight arrangement at the front and the exaggerated lines of its profile side-on.
It might not be much to go on for now, but there is enough to suggest the new black cab will stay faithful to its signature image while evolving to meet stricter guidelines set out by Transport for London’s ‘Metropolitan Conditions of Fitness’ criteria.
What is known, however, is the next generation LEVC taxi will swap the current TX’s range-extended electric taxi set-up for a purpose-built, all-electric platform - arguably the single most significant development in the black cab’s storied history.
Tony Chi, Chief Executive Officer at LEVC, said: “For more than a century, LEVC has been at the heart of urban mobility, and the black cab remains one of the most trusted and recognisable transport solutions in the world.
“Today’s announcement marks an important milestone as we confirm that the next chapter is already well underway.
“Our next-generation taxi will honour everything drivers and passengers value about the current TX, while taking a significant step forward in design, innovation and sustainability.
“We know how important the future of the black cab is to our partners and we want to reassure them that LEVC is fully committed to the future of this sector.”
While the current TX’s eCity powertrain has helped LEVC significantly reduce its contribution to harmful CO2 and N0x emissions in urban environments compared to earlier generations, the transition to a zero-emission electric powertrain will make an even bigger impact.
Development of the new Hackney Carriage comes in the wake of more than £1 billion in funds being pledged by the Geely Group, owners of LEVC since 2013, with the Coventry-based company saying the investment is indicative of Geely’s commitment to the future of the UK taxi industry.
Promising to advance the vehicle’s design, technology and usability for the next era of urban mobility, more details about the electric powertrain and the design will emerge in the coming months.
In the meantime, LEVC has confirmed final assembly of the TX model will conclude this month in preparation for the Ansty production facility to fully prepare for the incoming replacement.