London-based Fulham Cab Company has taken the first of 40 range-extended electric taxis, in the first major fleet deal in the capital.

The LEVC TX eCity adds a range-extended electric drivetrain to the familiar taxi shape.

The company has a fleet of 100 diesel black cabs, meeting at least Euro 5 emissions standards, and is making the switch not only for the environmental benefits but for the lower maintenance costs and more than double the longer service intervals, at 25,000 miles.

Built in Coventry, the LEVC TX eCity cab uses a 148bhp electric motor, supplied by a 23.25kWh battery offering an all-electric range of around 80 miles, with the option to rapid charge at 50kW or fast charge at 22kW. The drivetrain can automatically switch over to using a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a range-extender, and fully-fuelled and fully charged it can travel 377 miles, the carmaker said.

The TX features on-board wifi and phone chargers, space for six passengers and disabled access via a retractable ramp. It also has a filtration system to remove pollutants and particulates from incoming air, and can shut the external air intake in particularly polluted areas to protect occupants.

LEVC is offering three years free servicing, a three-year, 120,000-mile warranty on the vehicle, and five-year unlimited mileage warranty on the battery. The carmaker claims drivers could save £100 per week in fuel, even when factoring in the cost of charging.

Fulham Cab Company owner, John Flynn, said: “I don’t want to spend time and effort repairing older vehicles, and electric vehicles mean longer gaps between servicing and generally need less work. It just means less aggravation for me, and more time on the road for the vehicles.”