Are London's black cabs ready for a green makeover?

The first electric-powered taxis could soon be on the capital's roads after a consortium involving auto giant Mercedes unveiled an all-electric version of the iconic black cab.

The vehicle, called the Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi, was formally launched today by Eco City Vehicles Plc, a specialist green taxi supplier which last year debuted Mercedes new Vito model – a specialist taxi design intended to enhance fuel efficiency and curb carbon emissions from London's taxi fleet.

The company said the new electric version of the vehicle uses Lithium-ion batteries to provide a 120-mile range on a single charge, while delivering performance metrics similar to a standard taxi.

It added that the consortium, which also includes auto engineering firm Zytec Automotive and manufacturing partner Penso, now plans to conduct controlled trials designed to confirm that the vehicle is suitable for cab drivers.

"The eVito is the first all-electric wheelchair-accessible taxi with a 25-foot turning circle to be launched in the world and a major step towards our goal to become a leading supplier of niche eco-friendly vehicles," said Peter DaCosta, chief executive of Eco City Vehicles. "Subject to successful trials, the eVito, together with the already popular Vito taxi, provides London with a great opportunity to reduce air pollution with modern vehicles."

He added that the company expected to see a further boost in demand for its low-carbon cabs as a result of new emission standards for taxis from mayor Boris Johnson, which are expected to come into force ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

The launch of the eVito rounds off a good few months for Eco City Vehicles after the company confirmed late last year that it has already sold 500 of its Vito cabs, accounting for 30 per cent of all new London licensed taxis since the vehicle's launch in July.