LEVC prepares for new taxi launch in 2027 but won’t confirm if new TX is EV-only

LEVC has confirmed that its next-generation TX black cab will launch into the UK market in the second half of 2027. The new cab will be “fully engineered from the ground up”, the company says – though it has not confirmed earlier reports that the vehicle would be all-electric, unlike the current range-extender hybrid TX model, which launched in 2018.

A spokesman said: “We remain fully committed to ensuring our purpose-built products make our cities a better, cleaner place. While we can’t provide any further information on pricing or specification just yet,  rest assured that the new vehicle is being developed with the needs of drivers, passengers, fleet operators and cities firmly at its core.”

In May 2023 LEVC revealed details of its new all-electric SOA platform, including a 120kW battery offering an all-electric range of 435 miles. This platform is used on the L380 MPV, a model that is available in China and is slated for UK launch in the future.

It was hinted strongly in 2023 that this would be the next taxi platform – but an LEVC spokesman would neither confirm nor deny this now. However, the LEVC plant in Ansty is being shuttered until 2027 after the last current TX rolls off the line this month in order to retool for the new cab, which suggests a fairly major change is happening. And images of the new vehicle suggest it will not have an upright radiator like its predecessors, again hinting at an EV.

LEVC, owned by Chinese auto giant Geely, has sold more than 12,000 TX taxis worldwide to date – including more than half the London fleet of around 14,000 taxis. Thanks to its eCity powertrain, TX has saved more than 450 million kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and reduced NOx emissions of the London taxi fleet by 60%. “Environmental sustainability and air quality continues to be a key consideration in the development of LEVC’s next-generation taxi,” LEVC said in a statement.

LEVC has revealed a series of early design sketches, showing that the new taxi will be instantly recognizable, with a familiar silhouette and front end design. Since 2013, Geely Group has invested more than £1 billion in the ongoing development of LEVC and remains firmly committed to the future of the UK taxi industry.

LEVC said in a statement: “While full technical details and specifications remain under wraps, the next-generation taxi will leverage LEVC’s expertise in purpose-built taxi design, accessibility and durability, to deliver a vehicle that represents an advanced, purpose-built urban mobility solution.”

LEVC CEO Tony Chi said: “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.”

LEVC’s new SOA EV platform (Space Oriented Architecture) has been co-developed with Geely. SOA is modular and scalable, and designed to optimise the interior space of vehicles built on the platform.

When revealed in 2023, LEVC said SOA’s flexibility offers multiple seating and load-carrying configurations. It can support a wide range of passenger-carrying and commercial vehicles, offering significant advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability and connectivity.

With a centrally-located battery, SOA delivers a fully flat floor with low step-in heights. Electric powertrain components are all fitted up front, freeing up additional space for the driver and passenger. SOA has an innovative rear suspension design that incorporates extra carrying capacity underneath the main luggage area, behind the rear axle.

SOA supports vehicle sizes from 4,860mm – 5,995mm in length and 1,945mm – 1,998mm in width, with wheelbases from 3,000mm – 3,800mm. SOA can also offer front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts too.