2:30 pm, July 27, 2018
ONE of the UK’s largest Volvo Cars dealer groups is to start an electric taxi franchise, it announced today.
Endeavour Automotive has operated Volvo dealerships in and around London since 2014, and from the start of August it will also be selling LEVC’s TX in Chiswick.
It said it decided to become a franchise holder after seeing the popularity of the new taxi with passengers and drivers, as well as the level of support from national and local government for the electric taxi project. Endeavour has invested to increase the capacity of its workshop to support the arrival of the new brand.
The firm is also building a number of taxi-dedicated fast-charge points to give cabbies greater access to charging in the area. They will supplement the 52 dedicated rapid chargers that are set aside for taxi use in London.
The TX boasts on-board wi-fi plus phone and laptop charging, effectively making the new taxi a mobile office for passengers. In addition, it is more spacious, with six seats and class-leading wheelchair accessibility.
Adrian Wallington, managing director of Endeavour Automotive, said: ‘The extension of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and arrival of electric taxis are measures that will significantly improve air quality in west London, and alongside a significant increase in demand for more environmentally friendly passenger vehicles in the capital, we’re delighted to be part of this taxi revolution, especially as the new TX can offer savings of up to £100 per week in fuel for the average London taxi driver.’
LEVC chief executive Chris Gubbey said: ‘Our purpose-built, passenger-focused taxi has been designed with the intention of getting more people in the back of cabs – offering the safest, cleanest, quietest and smoothest taxi ride yet. We are delighted to have had the support of the team at Endeavour to deliver this vision for the taxi trade in London.’
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