'˜Most advanced electric taxis ever' set to be rolled out on Edinburgh streets

The world's most advanced electric taxis will start appearing on the Capital's roads, promising a greener and smoother ride for passengers.

The new electric cabs will roll out from today.

Designed and built in the UK by LEVC, the TX eCitys commit to dramatically slash driver’s fuel bills as well as help cab drivers cut emissions.

The first vehicle was handed over to David McMillan, 67, who has been an Edinburgh cabbie for seven years. Mr McMillan, who usually covers 100 miles a day, estimates he will save £458 a month from making the switch. Service intervals for the vehicles will more than double, offering drivers a further cost saving.

He said: “These types of vehicle are the future – promising a smoother, more comfortable ride for passengers and will help clean up cities too. The fact I will be financially better off is a big bonus too.”

The vehicle is driven by a powerful electric motor and there is a small petrol engine on-board that can top-up the battery, should the driver be unable to charge. This technology will give drivers a range of up to 377 miles and a zero emissions range of 80.6 miles.

Union Motor Company, who have operated in Edinburgh for 22 years, have been chosen by LEVC to sell and service the taxi.

Company founder Danny Flynn said: “This is the future of all vehicles. They will be essential to protect our urban environment and improve air quality.

“We have always been a forward-thinking company and we like to be involved in the pioneering of any new technology.

“We are very excited to come on board and work on the new electric taxi and LEVC.”

The Union Motor Company has installed two electric charge points and have employed four new members of staff to sell and service the vehicle.

Chris Gubbey, chief executive of LEVC, said: “Our purpose-built, passenger focused taxi has been designed with the intention of getting more people in the back of cabs, offering the safest, cleanest, quietest and smoothest taxi ride yet. “We are delighted to have had the support of Union Motor Company to deliver this vision for the taxi trade in Edinburgh and I look forward to hearing about how drivers get on in the new cab.”