All-electric minicab debuts in London

London’s first all-electric minicab has made its debut, a Renault Fluence Z.E. run by eco cab company Climatecars. First on board was Minister of State for Climate Change, Gergory Barker MP.

Climatecars, which already runs a fleet of hybrid minicabs, has secured two of the very first 100% electric Renaults in the country in order to provide the service, months before they are available for sale to general public.

First Drive Review: Renault Fluence Z.E. (2012 onwards)

The Fluence Z.E. is powered by a 94hp electric motor – and according to Renault it will travel up to 115 miles between charges, meaning you should be able to “go south of the river” with ease. Driver permitting, of course.

However, it remains to be seen exactly what the 14.4mph average speed of London’s commuter traffic will mean for the range claim. But for short hops around town the all-electric Fluence could prove ideal.

And with the news that there are now more electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the UK than electric vehicles, hopefully grabbing a quick bit of extra juice when required won’t be a problem.

This situation will be further helped by Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s Source London scheme, which is set to increase the number of EV charging points in the capital to more the 1,300 units by Spring 2012.

Climatecars also intends to install a charging point at its London HQ to improve the charging opportunities.

According to Mr Barker MP:

“It’s great Climatecars is doing its bit to make London a greener place by offering a great alternative to the humble black cab. Cutting carbon emissions is vital to limit global temperature rises to tackle climate change.”

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