Hailing the future

London’s aim of organising the “first ‘sustainable’ Games” has been given a further boost after plans were unveiled for a fleet of zero-emission hydrogen taxis, to be on the streets in time for the start of the 2012 Olympics. The 50-100 taxis, which are to be given a “distinctive design” to catch the eye of green sports fans, will have a top speed of 75mph and better acceleration than their standard, diesel fuelled counterparts.

In Britain’s second city, Birmingham, it’s already possible to make a short hop in a dinky, hydrogen-powered ‘Microcab’, but this is the first scheme for the capital’s iconic black cabs to powered by hydrogen – in the form of a fuel cell-electric battery hybrid engine. Jon Moore of Intelligent Energy, the hydrogen fuel cell developers behind the project, explains: “The taxi will be a genuine hybrid, drawing its power from both the battery and fuel cell simultaneously, rather than alternating between the two.”

But where will these futuristic cabs find hydrogen refilling points in the middle of London? “The precise details haven’t been finalised,” admits a spokesman for the company, suggesting that the taxis might be able to piggyback on a wider hydrogen infrastructure in the capital. “We do know that, by 2012, there will likely be other hydrogen vehicles on the streets.” Transport for London is planning to install its own refuelling station for the ten hydrogen buses planned for 2010, though it has no plans to share it with taxis!  – Julia Sussams

7 July 2008

Julia Sussams