LEVC’s English Taxi: Conquering Lyon

LEVC is expanding its network in France. The manufacturer of the famous London taxi now has a branch in Lyon.

LEVC, the British taxi brand now under Chinese ownership, is already present in Paris. In the capital, vehicle distribution and after-sales operations have been entrusted to the ABVV group. For its entry into Lyon, LEVC has chosen to partner with Felix Faure Automobiles, an arm of the Vulcain group.

This agreement is part of a strategy to internationalize the brand’s activities. It also confirms LEVC’s interest in the French market. “France is a key region that is quickly adopting more sustainable transportation solutions with financial aid implemented by the government to support the transition,” repeated Alex Nan, the CEO of LEVC, following the signing of the agreement with Felix Faure Automobiles. “These new vehicles are perfectly aligned with an urgent ecological transition in urban areas and Low Emission Zones (LEZs),” commented the automotive distributor.

LEVC, electric taxis… or rather hybrid ones

Although often presented as electric by LEVC, the TX taxi also uses a gasoline thermal engine, which acts as an extended range. However, it is the electric motor that drives the vehicle’s wheels (specifically the rear wheels, as the TX is rear-wheel drive).

Without its combustion engine, the TX would recharge its 24.2 kWh (useful capacity) battery approximately every 100 km. This figure compares to the 510 km range offered by the combination of the thermal engine and electric power for this vehicle.

LEVC also markets a van (the VN5), which similarly follows the extended-range electric principle. This vehicle is available in France and will be distributed by Felix Faure Automobiles. Its prices start at around €65,000 including VAT. The TX taxi, however, costs at least €77,000 including VAT.

Also read: Per-kilometer tire pricing for London taxis