LEVC boss: “We will only survive if we move away from London niche”

Taxi maker London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) says it is not planning to launch a true low-cost variant of its electrified TX, but will launch a lower-spec variant later this year. 

Speaking at an event to celebrate the completion of the 2500th TX model, company boss Joerg Hoffman also expressed a desire for the company to grow beyond its market in the capital. “This brand will only survive if it moves away from the London-focused niche”, he said, expressing a desire for the company to be viewed as a provider of ‘green mobility solutions’.

Conversely, Hoffman said its electrified taxi is a successful product, stating: “We are happy with demand for the TX.”

Hoffman, who took over as company boss in early 2019, said London’s stringent taxi regulations make development of a cheaper model impractical. 

Production of a slightly lower-spec variant of the TX, called Taxi Icon, will begin in October, but this will be unable to operate in London due to subtle equipment downgrades, which have yet to be detailed. 

The Taxi Icon will, however, be eligible for use in other UK and European cities, and could be adopted by mobility services such as Uber and Lyft.

Many have viewed the £55,600 list price of the TX as inhibitive for potential buyers, but Hoffman identifies cheaper ongoing operating costs as the reason behind the model’s appeal.

“Cost of ownership is the most important thing,” he argued, calling to attention the powertrain’s minimal maintenance costs and lengthy service intervals, as well as the approximate £100 per week fuel savings compared to its diesel-powered TX4 predecessor. 

“You speak to old TX4 drivers who are so keen to get out of their old diesel cars”, he added, highlighting the new model’s 80-mile electric-only range and ease of use as significant factors in its increasing popularity.