2008 British International motor Show: Allied Vehicles debuts E7 electric taxi
04 Aug 2008
Mumbai: Glasgow-based, Allied Vehicles, is showcasing the new E7 electric taxi in the Electric Vehicle Village pavillion at the 2008 British International Motor Show.
The new electric taxi, jointly developed by Peugeot and Allied Vehicles division Cab Direct is scheduled to hit the UK markets in October 2008. The car is the result of three years of research and development. The firm is now looking to engage with local authority partners to install recharging networks locally to help drive down urban emissions.
The E7 is powered by lithium-ion batteries which give a range of 100 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 60mph. It produces no carbon, particulates or other emissions and is eligible for the 100 per cent vehicle excise duty discount, as well as offering lower running costs for the driver.
Allied is confident in the technology and is offering a six-year battery warranty to complement the two-year Peugeot warranty on the base vehicle.
The E7 offers a range of features and options designed to assistdisabled passengers, such as induction loops for the hard or hearing and high-visibility grab handles and seats for passengers with impaired vision to cab-operated electric side-steps and a specially designed under-floor wheelchair ramp to improve accessibility for disabled passengers.
Gerry Facenna, chairman, Allied Vehicles, said, ''For the majority of taxi drivers, the key issue when buying a new cab is usually the cost to run, service and maintain their vehicle. In the current economic climate drivers are looking for ways to reduce costs.''
Established in 1994, Allied Vehicles is made up of two trading divisions, Allied Vehicles and Cab Direct. Through these divisions the company is involved in all areas of the motor trade, specialising in wheelchair accessible vehicles, taxis and after-sales services.