News

Azure Dynamics Launches First Hybrid-Electric Taxi

June 06, 2004 by Jeff Shepard

Azure Dynamics Corp. (Vancouver, BC), a leading developer of hybrid-electric power trains for commercial vehicles, and London Taxis International (LTI), a leading manufacturer of purpose-built taxis, announced the successful introduction of the first licensed hybrid-electric London Taxi.

The launch event at the Canadian High Commission, Canada House, was followed by a public demonstration of the taxi in London's iconic Trafalgar Square on June 3, 2004.

The introduction follows an agreement signed in November 2002, wherein Azure and LTI agreed to develop hybrid-electric powertrains for current and new-generation taxis, in part funded by the Energy Saving Trust (EST). With the valued support of the EST and the Department for Transport, three hybrid taxis have been jointly developed by Azure Dynamics and LTI, and one will start trials in the UK from June 3, 2004, onwards. Annual volumes are projected to be up to 3,000 vehicles, with start of production potentially in the first quarter of 2006.