What's the news?
The collaboration that is Frazer-Nash and Ecotive has announced full specification details for its all-new, all-electric, Range Extended Metrocab. After more than 10 years of development, the future Hackney Carriage is due to begin its London-based trials this month.
Exterior
As you can see, the new Metrocab bears stark resemblance to the oil burning version it replaces; albeit with some more modern touches. The head- and taillight clusters have been replaced with more efficient LED versions and the front grille has been made a tad smaller. The rounded back end of the existing model has also been changed for a more squared-off design to maximise cabin space.
Interior
Inside, there are vast differences from Metrocabs gone by. The layout is very much the same with six passenger seats in the rear and a clear-plastic divide separating the cabbie from his fare. Frazer-Nash has kicked the Metrocab into the 21st Century, however, giving passengers a TV and the driver a touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard also contains a USB charging socket, while the combination of ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof should give passengers a more pleasant environment to travel in.
Mechanicals
In contrast to the loud diesel engine of the existing Metrocab, the new model has two 50kW electric motors hooked up to a 1.0-litre petrol range extender. This combination results in a quoted fuel economy figure in excess of 75mpg - with emissions measured at less than 50g/km of CO2. With these figures in mind, Frazer-Nash has calculated that the new model should save a London taxi driver between £30 and £40 a day in running costs.
In addition to the new powertrain, the all-electric Metrocab comes with air suspension to keep the ride as smooth as possible. It also meets the London Public Carriage Office (PCO) requirement by having a turning circle of just 7.62m - a legal requirement that originated more than 100 years ago due to the tight roundabout at the front of the Savoy Hotel.
Anything else?
Following the forthcoming trials in London, the new Metrocab will be rolled out in cities throughout the UK and across the world.
James Giddings - 20 Jan 2014
