Frazer Nash Metrocab Taxi Eléctrico

Ya ha nacido la competencia al Nissan Taxi eléctrico previsto para diferentes ciudades del mundo. La empresa inglesa Frazer-Nash - de hecho una empresa con mucha tradición automovilística - ha presentado su nuevo Metrocab eléctrico con "range-extender" (pequeño motor de combustión para aumentar la autonomía), diseñado y producido enteramente en Inglaterra.

El modelo lleva dos motores eléctricos en los bujes de las ruedas traseras, combinado con un motor de 998 ccm de gasolina y un generador para recargar las baterías, que a su vez también pueden ser recargadas a través de una fuente exterior. Las baterías son de litio-ion-polymero.

The British designed, engineered and built Metrocab, from Mytchett Surrey-based Ecotive and Frazer-Nash, is a new generation zero-emissions electric-powered taxi for London, and represents the cutting edge of green transport technology with a design both evolutionary and sympathetic to the iconic black cab silhouette.

“The all-new Range Extended Electric Metrocab has been in development since the mid-2000s with several prototypes built and over a million kilometres of engineering tests completed", said Sir Charles Masefield, Chairman of Metrocab. "Instantly recognisable as an iconic London Hackney Cab, with a panoramic glass roof for views of the city, our new all-British London cab offers, for no price premium, completely new levels of economy, emissions and passenger comfort and is ready to enter service this year, benefitting the passenger, driver, city and environment alike.”

Ready now, Metrocab launches a campaign this week inviting London taxi drivers to register with the company for real-world trials in the new zero emissions capable taxi, demonstrating significant cost savings, environmental benefits, easy ownership and maintenance and enhanced passenger experience.

The Metrocab from Ecotive and Frazer-Nash is the latest in a long line of electric powered transport solutions they have marketed and developed over the last 25 years with world-class highly efficient, optimised and fully-integrated digital-electric and hybrid-electric powertrains.  Priced competitively to enter the taxi market, the Metrocab is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack with an electric motor to each of the rear wheels.

Following the in-market trials this year, the Metrocab will be rolled out in London and other key cities in the UK and internationally.

The purpose-built all-new Range Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation design. The vehicle incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety, providing unrivalled efficiency and economy with significantly reduced daily operation and maintenance costs together with customer benefits including full disabled accessibility, panoramic roof for views of the city, increased luggage space and unrivalled comfort for up to seven passengers.

The taxi is driven by two electric motors with a 1-litre petrol engine coupled with a generator to recharge the battery pack.  Charging is also available via any mains electric outlet ensuring even lower fuel consumption.  

Developed by Frazer-Nash Research, this unique powertrain system offers ultra-low emissions and a zero emissions mode, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and economic benefits including tax incentives and grants.