The Fuel Cell Black Cab premiered at London’s City Hall last
Monday with a speech by Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse. This hydrogen fuel-cell
vehicle was funded by UK’s Technology Strategy Board in its ongoing effort to
reduce emissions in London’s cab fleet. The Technology Strategy Board solicited
help from Lotus Engineering, Intelligent Energy and other corporate partners to
achieve this goal. City Hall has already worked with Transport for London to
prepare testing on five hydrogen fuel-cell buses in fall 2010. The Fuel Cell
Black Cab is one step toward Mayor Boris Johnson’s goal of zero emissions by
city cabs in 2020.
This hydrogen-cell prototype is powered by a 30kW fuel cell
system as well as a 14kWh lithium polymer battery. The heart of the Fuel Cell
Black Cab is a 55kW electric motor that uses battery power for range extension.
Intelligent Energy notes that the fuel cell system is capable of fully
refueling its compressed hydrogen tanks in five minutes. Projected performance
for the Fuel Cell Black Cab seems promising for both drivers and passengers.
The 250-mile range afforded by the fuel cell system can keep a driver on calls
all day. The maximum speed of this prototype is 81 miles per hour, giving
drivers plenty of leeway in busy London traffic. The Fuel Cell Black Cab is
powerful enough to reach 30 miles per hour from a dead stop in 4.5 seconds.
Myriad partners collaborated in creating this fully
functioning hydrogen taxi. Intelligent Energy developed the fuel cell system at
the core of the cab. Lotus Engineering provided the electric motor and
incorporated electric and hydrogen elements within the drive system. LTI
Vehicles offered the latest model of its familiar black cab design for the
prototype. TRW Conekt tested the Fuel Cell Black Cab for steering, braking and
propulsion safety prior to its unveiling.
At present, the Fuel Cell Black Cab is undergoing road
testing in order to meet standards set by the London Public Carriage Office.
London is certainly motivated to improve its emissions and fuel consumption
habits with the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games. No matter the reason, Mayor
Johnson and the city’s alliance with corporations will result in cleaner public
transit. The Fuel Cell Black Cab demonstrates that the future of sustainable propulsion
need not ignore traditional vehicle designs.
