Global Forum for Sports and Environment
Black cabs go green for London’s 2012 Olympics
Intelligent Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell developer, is leading the collaboration, and has created the power system for the cabs, which will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries configured into an electric hybrid. Hydrogen fuel cells produce power from hydrogen and air, the only emissions coming in the form of water vapour. The vehicles will be able to operate for a full day, up to speeds of 75mph, without refuelling. Refuelling takes a few minutes, during which cabbies will top up their hydrogen tanks at central depots. The project is funded as part of a £23 million government initiative to develop 16 innovative low carbon vehicle development programmes. The initial fleet will be 50-100 strong, with plans for to expand in cities outside of London by 2014. If the technology proves itself, which Intelligent Energy is confident it will, fuel cell taxis could transform more of the 21,000 or so black cabs in London, and become a significant presence on our streets in the next decade. Henri Winand, Intelligent Energy’s Chief Exec, said: ‘The black cab is an internationally recognised and iconic symbol of London and this partnership is an important part of making low carbon transport a practical and near-term reality. This project is central to our plans to supply zero emissions power systems to the automotive market.’ London 2012 LINK : |
May 20, 2008--The classic black cab is turning green. A fleet of hackney cabs will be offering zero-emission rides in time for London’s 2012 Olympics.