London taxis, also known as black cabs, are a common sight on the streets of London. These iconic vehicles have been around for over a century and are an integral part of the city’s transport system.
But have you ever wondered what engine powers these taxis? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the engine that is used in a London taxi.
History of London Taxis
Before we get into the engine, let’s take a brief look at the history of London taxis. The first hackney carriage (as they were called back then) appeared on the streets of London in 1621.
These carriages were pulled by horses and could accommodate up to four passengers. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that motorized cabs began to appear.
In 1897, the first motorized taxi was introduced in London. It was called the Bersey Taxi and was powered by an electric motor. However, due to limitations with battery technology at the time, these electric taxis did not become popular.
It wasn’t until 1903 that gasoline-powered taxis were introduced in London. The first gasoline-powered taxi was called the Prunel and was built by French automobile manufacturer Renault.
The Engine
So what engine is used in today’s modern London taxi? Well, since 1948, all licensed black cabs have been required to use a specific type of engine – the TX series diesel engine made by British manufacturer LTI (London Taxis International).
The TX series diesel engine is a four-cylinder turbocharged intercooled diesel engine that produces around 93 horsepower and has a top speed of around 80 miles per hour. It is designed specifically for use in taxis and is known for its reliability and durability.
Why Diesel?
You may be wondering why diesel engines are used in black cabs instead of gasoline engines. The main reason is fuel efficiency. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, which means that they can travel further on a single tank of fuel.
In addition, diesel engines are known for their low-end torque, which is important for taxis that frequently start and stop in city traffic.
Future of London Taxis
In recent years, there has been a push to make London’s taxis more environmentally friendly. In 2018, a new electric taxi called the TX eCity was introduced. It has a range of around 80 miles on electric power alone and can be recharged in just 20 minutes using rapid charging technology.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, the TX eCity is also designed to be more comfortable for passengers. It features improved suspension, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the engine that powers London’s iconic black cabs. While diesel engines have been used for many years, there is now a move towards more environmentally friendly electric taxis. Whatever the future holds for London’s taxis, one thing is for sure – they will continue to be an important part of the city’s transport system for years to come.