For several years now, LEVC has been manufacturing and selling electrified versions of the British capital’s iconic black cabs, not just in London, but around the world. Now, with development help from Geely, the company is moving beyond electric taxis with a new flexible EV platform.
Earlier this year, London EV revealed that its TX models are now the most common black cabs in London, with more than 6,000 vehicles operating in the city and more than 534 million miles driven globally.
The company also makes electric work vehicles, and has even said it might introduce an electric camper van in the future. Another milestone was announced in March when its 10,000th car rolled off the production line at its Ansty factory in Coventry.
The space-oriented architecture (SOA) platform, developed over the past two-and-a-half years with Geely Holding Group’s R&D centers in China, Sweden, the UK and Germany, “will power its transformation from a high-end taxi maker to a leading electric vehicle solution provider.”
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“Building on LEVC’s unrivaled heritage in producing iconic London black cabs, we are adapting our business to meet the rapidly growing demand for spacious, agile electric vehicles,” said LEVC CEO Alex Nan. “Our rich history Combining the resources of the Geely organization puts our brand on an exciting new path as LEVC introduces an adaptable architecture for the adaptable world. With the combined strength of our new strategy and SOA, we will bring advanced of zero-emissions shipping to more customers than ever before.”
SOA architectures are designed to maximize the internal space available. The battery pack sits in the center of a “truly flat floor” between the wheels. The electric powertrain is packaged to the front end, which is optimized to meet five-star safety standards in Europe and China. The design allows for additional cargo capacity under the main boot space behind the rear axle thanks to an “innovative rear suspension design”.
The platform will support electric vehicles with a length of 4,860 to 5,995 mm (191 – 236 inches), a width of 1,945 to 1,998 mm (76.5 – 78.6 inches), and accommodate a wheelbase of 3,000 to 3,800 mm (118 – 149.6 inches) . Front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts are also available.
The battery capacity is also flexible, ranging from 73 kWh to 120 kWh, with a reported maximum range of 695 kilometers (432 miles), and it also supports fast charging. The low-step entry and flexible interior accommodate multiple seating configurations for passenger vehicles and the cargo needs of fleet operators.
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The open-source platform is home to a new chip-to-cloud digital brain known as L-OS, which can add Level 2 to Level 4 autonomous capabilities and provide future-proof over-the-air software updates and “ultimate intelligence with high-featured content and functionality.” digital cockpit.”
“SOA optimizes on-board space, offers multiple configurations and unlimited possibilities, a new advanced electric vehicle platform that supports LEVC’s new strategy to become the leading zero-carbon mobility provider,” added Nan. “Combining our pioneering The L-OS digital architecture, which will realize our new mission of providing smart, green, safe and barrier-free mobility for all, will enable us to transform from a high-end taxi manufacturer and push LEVC into new areas, with A wider range of state-of-the-art pure electric vehicles.”
source: low carbon car
