HOW THE ELECTRIC TAXI WORKS

A description is given of the electric taxi developed by Lucas. It will carry the same number of passengers as a London taxi, and has the same turning circle, although it is a front wheel drive vehicle; it has a shorter external length. The 50 bhp, 216 volt cav motor is located transversely at the front of the vehicle, level with the floor of the driving compartment. The complete front drive unit assembly is carried on a sub-frame which can be detached as a unit from the vehicle. The control system, developed by Lucas, is of the scr chopper type. The battery pack can be charged in situ or exchanged for a new pack in the time taken to refuel a commercial vehicle. Lightweight, high energy density lead-acid batteries are used. A regenerative braking system is employed. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Building and Contract Journals Limited

  32 Southwark Bridge Road
  London SE1 9EX,   England 
• Publication Date: 1975-10-31

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 24
• Serial:
  • Surveyor - Public Authority Technology
  • Volume: 146
  • Issue Number: 4351
  • Publisher: IPC Building and Contract Journals Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acids; Electric automobiles; Electric batteries; Electric vehicles; Front wheel drive; Lead; Motors; Taxicabs; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transverse
• ITRD Terms: 7351: Acid; 1315: Battery; 7138: Lead (metal); 9081: Transverse
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Highways; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00132295
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 23 1981 12:00AM