The brand new design for London’s electric black cab has been undergoing tests in the harshest conditions in the Arctic Circle.
According to London Taxi Company (LTC), the checks to the vehicle performance will get more stringent over the coming weeks, with the taxis set to be cooled down in giant fridges to -49°C.
The checks seek to ensure the battery and range of the vehicles are not disproportionately affected by cold weather.
The new range extended electric taxi will undergo similar endurance testing in extreme heat environments before it is deemed ready for sale. Driving experience and the cab heating and ventilation will also be checked to ensure the vehicle continue to perform to the highest standards.
It’s hoped the updates will reduce pollution from a fleet of 23,000 vehicles in London.
LTC Quality Director Wolfram Liedtke said: “Our new taxi is being developed with two key engineering principles – quality and endurance, to meet the needs of the demanding taxi duty cycle. We soon commit the product to series production at our all-new manufacturing facility in Antsy, near Coventry.
“It will be, without doubt, the highest quality and resilient product in London Taxi’s 98-year history.”
London’s toxic air breached legal limits for the whole year just five days into 2017.
Last month the European Commission also issued “final warnings” to five countries, including the UK, for failing to address air pollution.