Photo: LEVC
This may come as a shock to some of our readers who don’t pay much attention to what’s happening on TERF Island in the UK, but the latest black cabs to be seen across London are being built by a company owned by Geely. Yes, the same Geely that also owns Volvo and Lotus. Geely also owns many other companies, but the focus today is the London Electric Vehicle Company. And more specifically, Geely’s plan to significantly expand LEVC and build more than just taxis.
Portal reports that the Chinese mega-corporation plans to invest heavily in LEVC, turning it into “a high-volume, all-electric brand with a range of commercial and passenger vehicles.” The company also reportedly wants to invest more in the development of technologies that will allow LEVC to offer owners more personalized services. It sounds like Geely plans to collect a whole lot of customer data.
“We need a mature product portfolio. We need to make big investments in technology and infrastructure,” LEVC chief executive Alex Nan told Portal. “Geely will consistently invest in LEVC as this is a very unique project.”
Geely has yet to say how much money Geely wants to invest in LEVC, what the future line-up will look like and when exactly the first new LEVC vehicle will be on the road. Although executives have hinted that it could happen relatively quickly, at least considering LEVC currently only makes one vehicle. The biggest potential obstacle is said to be the charging infrastructure.
“There’s nothing we can’t deliver in a very short time if needed, but it’s just a matter of timing,” said LEVC Managing Director Chris Allen. “But will the industry be there in two years? Will the charging infrastructure be there? Will consumer confidence be there?” That remains to be seen. But if you’ve been wishing for some time that you could own a car built by the company that makes black cabs, then you might be in luck. all four of you.