A taxi-converted diesel NV200 is already being shown in the capital, with 53.3mpg fuel efficiency offering significantly lower running costs than the 35.3mpg TX4 London Taxi. Expected to be priced below the TX4 when it goes on sale, predicted for later this year, it offers space for five adults, wheelchair access, and the front passenger seat has been removed to accommodate luggage.

An electric version will be reliant on increased recharging infrastructure around the Capital, and Nissan has begun discussions with stakeholders to encourage this to happen.

Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan, said: ‘Nissan is proud to be delivering a 21st century vision for one of London's most iconic vehicles. The "black cab" is as much a part of the London landscape as Big Ben and, whilst there will always be a place for that familiar silhouette,  the Nissan NV200 London Taxi focuses as much attention on its interior as the exterior – a better experience for drivers and passengers.’

Taxi-converted NV200s have already been shown in Tokyo and New York City, with the latter naming the van as its Taxi of Tomorrow. A fleet of Nissan LEAFs was tested as private hire vehicles in New York City last year, and the manufacturer has expressed an interest in developing an e-NV200 taxi for the city.

The e-NV200 will go into production in the 2013 financial year, assembled at the carmaker’s Barcelona plant alongside the diesel version. Nissan’s global pre-launch trials have included working with FedEx Express, British Gas and the Japan Postal Service.