The Fuel Cell Black Cab on Westminster Bridge as it passes the Houses of Parliament. Click to enlarge.

The project to deliver a fleet of the zero emission taxis to the streets of London in time for 2012 is on track, according to project fuel cell provider Intelligent Energy, with the first Fuel Cell Black Cabs covering a combined total of more than 8,000 miles in road and test track testing conditions.

These prototype zero-emission taxis are a shining example of British ingenuity, combining revolutionary fuel cell technology with an iconic design classic. This marks an important milestone in my goal to create a cleaner cab fleet, firstly through introduction of the first ever age limits moving towards zero-emission vehicles as they come to market. Affordable and low polluting cabs are within our grasp and I urge manufacturers to accelerate efforts to produce them.

—Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

The zero emission taxis have been developed by a consortium, led by Intelligent Energy, which includes Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt with part-funding from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

The Fuel Cell Black Cab uses an Intelligent Energy fuel cell (30 kW net output) as a range extender for the 14 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, allowing the vehicle to operate for a full day without the need for refuelling. Powered by a 100 kW (peak), 55 kW (continuous) motor, the cab is capable of achieving a top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h) and has a range of more than 250 miles (402 km) on a full tank of hydrogen. Acceleration from 0-30 mph takes 4.5 seconds; acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 14 seconds.