Electric Taxicab Possibilities.
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A WELL-KNOWN electricar engineer has recently raised the question as to the suitability of the electric taxicab for use in congested traffic conditions, such as those now existing In London. Many years ago, and long before the petrol taxicab came into existence, battery electric cabs were employed, but these bore no resemblance whatever to the modern vehicle of this type, which is a highly efficient unit, both from the mechanical and electrical points of view. One of the leading qualifications of the electric vehicle is its rapidity in traffic. This is due both to a high rate of acceleration and the extreme ease of control, and in these respects it cannot be rivalled by the ordinary petrol vehicle. There Would, therefore, appear to be a very good case for the electric taxicab, particularly as its smooth running, silence, cleanliness and freedom from smell should appeal to a large class of MOT. The ordinary taxicab requires a trained staff for its upkeep, but the maintenance of the battery electric taxicab is one of the simplest of tasks. Occasional lubrication at only a few points and cleaning are the main items, the charging, of course, being in the hands of the officials at the power stations. Charging would take place late at night or very early in the morning, when there would be no peak loads, and operating on smooth roads with comparatively few hills (conditions which occur particularly in the Central London area), the mileage per charge should be considerable—we should think 60 miles would not be an exaggerated figure, whilst even more alight be obtained—and, as there appears to be a possibility of a considerable number of new cabs being placed in service, we should certainly like to see the electric. cab given a suitable opportunity to prove its merits. The difficulty which was experienced years ago in securing an efficient staff for the maintenance of batteries no longer exists, whilst there is much fuller knowledge on the whole subject, so that the undue cost incurred under this head is a thing of the oast.