Nissan have partnered with a Coventry based manufacturer to enter the battle for a share of the zero emission taxi market.

Nissan originally planned to attack the London taxi market a few years ago with a hybrid vehicle, but the campaign was put on ice due to changes in regulatory requirements. However Dynamo Motor Company continued their development and research into a zero emission version. Dynamo Motor Company is a division of ADV Manufacturing, who supply parts to several leading motor brands.
The vehicle was officially unveiled at the Private Hire & Taxi Monthly exhibition in Milton Keynes yesterday. With all newly licensed vehicles needing to meet TfL’s strict green credentials after January 1st 2018, London based drivers will certainly be welcoming an extra option. Images of a prototype vehicle snapped outside a London hotel have been generating interest among drivers over the last few weeks on Twitter.


The latest vehicle will be available for regional taxi drivers throughout the country in the summer. A London specific version is expected to be launched in the autumn. The trim on the hackney carriage style seats features a silhouette of the London skyline, signalling their intention to target the capital’s cabbies.
 
Key Features of Nissan’s Taxi

£39,995 (approximately including £4,500 government subsidy and £1,500 launch discount)

Based on the Nissan e-NV200 (approximately)

100 mile + range

Rapid charge in 30 minutes to full battery capacity

5 passenger seats with full side wheelchair access

Panoramic glass roof

NissanConnect App to help locate charging points

 
Chairman of Dynamo Brendan O’Toole said, This is a pioneering new chapter in motoring and there’s no stopping the future of electric cars and taxis.” After several years in development O’Toole believes the vehicle is, “ideal for urban driving.” The e-NV200 base model has already recorded millions of miles of trouble free motoring and Dynamo state every component is robust to ensure taxi drivers spend the maximum amount of time on the road. The 100% electric nature of the vehicle should also provide significant reductions in running costs of around 14p/mile.
With the van-like design it is yet to be seen whether many taxi drivers will be tempted away from the traditional shaped models. However, if London’s stricter vehicle regulations can be met at a price point that is potentially far lower than its competitors, then the Nissan may well be worthy of consideration.