LEVC: EXPLORING AN ICON
TEN THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE LEGENDARY ‘BLACK CAB’
This year marks 160 years of the ‘Knowledge of London’ after its inception in 1865. To celebrate, LEVC has set out ten surprising facts about the iconic black cab, which has long been a cornerstone of British iconography. Generations of these vehicles have graced the streets of London and major cities around the UK. Instantly recognisable and steeped in history, the black cab is much more than just a means of transport - it’s a symbol of British culture.
But what truly sets it apart? LEVC presents 10 fascinating, little-known facts about this legendary vehicle, celebrating the craftsmanship, innovation and quirks that make it one of the world’s most recognised vehicles.
1. Decades of strict regulation
The London Conditions of Fitness were first intro- duced in 1906. This unique set of rules outlined the specific characteristics that hackney carriages and private hire vehicles - as well as their drivers - must meet. Today, the LEVC TX is the world’s only purpose- built, zero-exhaust-emission capable taxi that complies with these strict requirements, which include a 25-foot turning circle, wheelchair accessi- bility, door aperture, vehicle dimensions and more.
These conditions are not unique to London; licensing authorities across the UK set their own regulations for taxi and private hire, helping to ensure the highest possible standards of safety, service and vehicle quality for customers. TX for example, is built to be less than 5m in length and less than 2m in width, ensuring it can legally and safely pass through a narrow 6ft 6in/2m road restriction in any urban environment.
Plus, drivers and passengers can rely on its 8.45m wall to wall turning circle to navigate tight spaces. Legend has it the turning circle requirement came at the request of the Savoy Hotel, to help drivers navigate their unique roundabout entrance.
2. The ‘black cab’ isn’t always black
This British Icon is much more colourful than the name would suggest. In fact, the colour of a hackney
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carriage is determined by each local licensing authority in the UK. In London, there is no specific condition that states a black cab has to be the colour black and some drivers opt for alternatives, such as white, to support weddings and events. Additionally, cities outside of London have their own unique colour for hackney carriages, such as Bristol, which stipulates ‘black cabs’ have to be blue.
3. Electric beginnings
The first motorised taxis to hit London’s roads in 1897 were, in fact, electric. The Bersey Electric Cab had a top speed of 12mph and a battery range of around 50 miles. Nicknamed ‘hummingbirds’ for their distinctive sound and yellow-and-black livery, they paved the way for modern innovations like the LEVC TX, which today offers a WLTP pure electric range of up to 78 miles and a total extended-range of 333 miles.
4. Aerospace engineering
Unlike van conversions, which are mostly built from conventional steel, LEVC’s TX utilises an anodised aluminium monocoque. This high-tech structure weighs just 370kg, combining high torsional rigidity with lightweight construction. It is around 30% lighter than an equivalent steel structure which delivers a crucial weight saving over a conventional steel body and frame. LEVC’s bonded aluminium structure can absorb twice the crash energy of mild steel and all
MAY 2025 PHTM
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