LEVC's £300m Electric Black Cab Plant: A UK Milestone

The venerable London black cab, an enduring symbol of British heritage and urban transport, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Far from being a relic of the past, its future is brighter and greener than ever, thanks to a monumental investment by its manufacturer. Indeed, a black cab manufacturer did open a significant new plant, a state-of-the-art facility costing approximately £300 million, marking a pivotal moment for the UK automotive industry and urban mobility. This facility, located in Ansty, Coventry, became the new home for the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), a subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant Geely, and ushered in the era of the electric black cab.

The £300 Million Investment: LEVC's Ansty Revolution

The decision to build a brand-new manufacturing plant was not taken lightly. It represented a deep commitment to the future of the black cab and a bold step into the electric vehicle revolution. Opened in 2017, the Ansty plant is the UK's first dedicated electric vehicle factory, a testament to British innovation and manufacturing prowess. This substantial investment of £300 million was aimed at developing and producing the next generation of London taxis – the TX eCity, more commonly known simply as the TX. This move not only secured the future of the iconic vehicle but also positioned the UK at the forefront of green transport technology.

From Manganese Bronze to LEVC: A Legacy Reimagined

The story of the black cab manufacturer is a long and storied one, stretching back to the early 20th century. For decades, the vehicles were produced by Manganese Bronze Holdings, under various guises, with their factory in Holyhead Road, Coventry, being synonymous with the taxi's production. However, financial difficulties led to the company's acquisition by Geely in 2013, paving the way for the creation of LEVC. This acquisition brought much-needed capital and a global vision, enabling the company to invest heavily in research, development, and a completely new manufacturing footprint. The Ansty plant symbolises this new chapter, combining traditional British craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing techniques and a clear focus on sustainability.

The TX Electric Cab: A New Era of Urban Mobility

The TX, produced at the Ansty plant, is a radical departure from its diesel predecessors. While retaining the classic silhouette and the famous turning circle, it is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a petrol range extender. This innovative powertrain means the TX is zero-emission capable for a significant portion of its journey, typically up to 64 miles on pure electric power. For longer journeys, a small, efficient petrol engine kicks in to charge the battery, alleviating range anxiety and ensuring drivers can continue their work without lengthy charging stops.

Key Features and Environmental Impact

Beyond its advanced powertrain, the TX boasts a host of features designed for both driver and passenger comfort and safety. The spacious interior can comfortably accommodate six passengers and is significantly more accessible, featuring a deployable ramp for wheelchair users. Modern amenities include USB charging points, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a panoramic roof, creating a premium experience. For drivers, the TX offers a quiet, smooth ride, advanced infotainment systems, and substantial savings on fuel and maintenance, especially with exemptions from charges like London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Environmentally, the impact is profound. By replacing older, more polluting diesel cabs, the TX significantly contributes to improved air quality in urban centres, reducing NOx and particulate matter emissions, and helping cities meet their climate targets.

Boosting the UK Economy: Jobs and Innovation

The £300 million investment and the opening of the Ansty plant also delivered a significant boost to the UK economy. The facility was designed to have an initial capacity to build 10,000 vehicles a year, and it created over 1,000 new jobs in the West Midlands region, a traditional heartland of British manufacturing. These roles span across design, engineering, manufacturing, and support services, attracting skilled workers and fostering a new generation of automotive talent. Furthermore, LEVC's operations support a vast supply chain across the UK, drawing on British expertise and components, further strengthening the national industrial base. The plant itself is a marvel of modern manufacturing, incorporating advanced robotics, lean production principles, and a strong emphasis on quality control, showcasing the best of British engineering and innovation.

The Manufacturing Marvel: Inside the Ansty Plant

Stepping inside the Ansty facility, one immediately appreciates the scale and sophistication of the operation. The plant is a sprawling 37,000 square metre site, meticulously designed for efficiency and sustainability. It combines the latest in automated production with highly skilled manual assembly. From the initial body-in-white stage, where aluminium bonding and riveting techniques are used to create the lightweight yet robust chassis, to the paint shop and final assembly lines, every step is carefully orchestrated. The integration of advanced robotics ensures precision and speed, while human craftsmanship adds the finishing touches that ensure the high quality synonymous with the black cab. This blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional skills is crucial for producing a complex vehicle like the TX, which features a sophisticated electric drivetrain, advanced safety systems, and a premium interior.

Beyond the Black Cab: LEVC's Future Vision

While the TX black cab remains LEVC's flagship product, the company's vision extends beyond taxis. Leveraging the same innovative electric vehicle platform and powertrain developed for the TX, LEVC has successfully introduced the VN5, a purpose-built electric van with a range extender. This move allows LEVC to tap into the rapidly growing commercial vehicle market, offering businesses a sustainable and cost-effective solution for last-mile deliveries. The VN5 shares approximately 70% of its components with the TX, demonstrating the versatility and scalability of LEVC's underlying technology. This strategic expansion further cements LEVC's position as a leader in urban commercial electric vehicles and reinforces the long-term sustainability of the Ansty plant and the jobs it provides. The company continues to explore new markets and applications for its electric powertrain technology, aiming to make a significant global impact on clean air and urban transport.

Frequently Asked Questions About LEVC and the TX Cab

When did LEVC open its new plant?

The new state-of-the-art facility in Ansty, Coventry, was officially opened in 2017.

What is the main vehicle produced at the plant?

The primary vehicle produced is the TX, an electric taxi with a petrol range extender, designed to be zero-emission capable.

How much did the new plant cost?

The investment in the new manufacturing facility was approximately £300 million.

Is the TX cab fully electric?

The TX is an electric vehicle with a range extender. It can run purely on electric power for a significant distance (up to 64 miles) and then uses a small petrol generator to charge the battery and extend its range, eliminating range anxiety.

What are the benefits of the new electric black cab?

Benefits include significantly reduced emissions, lower running costs for drivers, a quieter and smoother ride for passengers, improved accessibility, and modern in-cab technology.

Does LEVC only make black cabs?

While the TX black cab is their flagship product, LEVC has expanded its offering to include the VN5 electric van, sharing much of the same powertrain technology as the TX, aimed at the commercial vehicle market.

Who owns LEVC?

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, a major Chinese multinational automotive company.

Comparing the Old and New: TX4 vs. TX eCity

In conclusion, the opening of LEVC's £300 million plant in Ansty, Coventry, represents a monumental achievement for the black cab manufacturer and a significant stride for the UK's automotive industry. It not only solidified the future of an iconic British vehicle but also propelled it into the electric age, offering a sustainable, technologically advanced, and economically viable solution for urban transport. This investment has created jobs, boosted the economy, and positioned LEVC as a key player in the global electric vehicle market, proving that tradition and innovation can indeed go hand-in-hand.

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