The city of London is following in the footsteps of Vancouver, Beijing and other Olympic cities in making its city look progressive. London’s 2012 Olympics bid has accelerated the timetable for introducing greener vehicles to city streets. Mayor Boris Johnson has spoken out about the need to reduce emissions by 2012. London is updating its ubiquitous double deckers with greener versions in the near future. Eco City Vehicles PLC, which produces the official taxi for London, took a step toward cleaner transportation last week with the introduction of the Mercedes eVito Taxi.
Eco City Vehicles PLC worked with Mercedes-Benz UK, Zytek Automotive and other partners to produce this all-electric taxi. The eVito Taxi produces no greenhouse gas emissions, which helps the company meet the demands of the mayor. This prototype features a 70kW drive system designed by Zytek Automotive along with a 38kWh lithium-ion battery. The Mercedes eVito Tax is electronically limited to 75 miles per hour, an adequate speed for trips within the city.
The eVito’s introduction into London life is due in part to grant funding and the popularity of the gas-powered Mercedes Vito. Eco City Vehicles PLC and Zytek secured $3.9 million in grant funding from Advantage West Midlands. This research and development agency coordinated the eVito’s development under its Advantage Niche Vehicle Research & Development Programme. As the eVito was developed, the traditional Vito Taxi was slowly gaining ground in London’s transportation scene. The Vito now represents more than 30% of the taxis currently on the road in London after its introduction in June 2008.
London’s commitment to the eVito and other green vehicles looks solid until we reach the summer of 2012. The question that looms for public and private participants in London’s transportation industry is whether this will be an Olympic mirage. Host cities have built enormous stadiums, committed to cleaning up streets and appearing forward looking because of international attention. Once the cameras leave these host cities, however, these steps forward too often prove to be temporary. London needs to spur widespread introduction of green vehicles into public transportation not just to appease international viewers.
This commitment would show that hybrids and all-electrics are ready for the market and show a demonstration of political will for cleaner transportation. London would also be able to slash its emissions significantly with cleaner taxis and buses as these vehicles are constantly in motion. The determining factor in whether the eVito is a novelty or a reality of day-to-day life is how many of these vehicles hit London streets by the opening ceremonies in 2012.
