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The new Milano Taxi concept has made its
debut at the Hanover Trade Show.
The concept, finished in the traditional green and black of Milan taxis,
is presented as a study into the viability of a mass-market,
emission-free taxi powered by an electric motor. |
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The motor, which is capable of generating
a peak of 115 PS, is fed through a lithium-ion battery integrated into
the underside of the vehicle with a storage capacity of 45
Kilowatt-hours. This, combined with a kerb weight of 1,500 kg, allows
the Milano Taxi concept to travel at speeds of up to 74 mph and up to
186 miles between charges. |
The motor, which is capable of
generating a peak of 115 PS, is fed through a lithium-ion battery
integrated into the underside of the vehicle with a storage capacity of
45 Kilowatt-hours. This, combined with a kerb weight of 1,500 kg,
allows the Milano Taxi concept to travel at speeds of up to 74 mph and
up to 186 miles between charges.
In addition, the charging time of the
lithium-ion batteries has been substantially reduced with over 80 per
cent of its total capacity being reached in just over an hour.
Along with an innovative drivetrain,
the Milano Taxi concept features clever packaging to make the vehicle as
practical and friendly as possible for its occupants.
Despite measuring just 3.73 metres in
length, 1.66 metres in width and 1.60 metres in height, making it
shorter and narrower than the Fox, the Milano Taxi concept is capable of
carrying two passengers in comfort with a glass panel roof creating a
bright and, with 944 mm of headroom, spacious environment. Measuring
120 mm, the rear legroom rivals that of luxury saloons. Substantial
space is also assigned at the front of the car to carry luggage while
entry to the vehicle is made easier and more practical through the
integration of a large door that both swivels and slides forward.
Once aboard, the passengers can access
an LCD display mounted on the reverse of the driver’s seat to see an
overview of the route being taken, pay the fare or change the climate
functions in the back of the vehicle.
The driver is faced by a similar screen
that can be personalised to show any combination of information relating
to the vehicle systems, passenger fare or navigation functions.
The Milano Taxi concept debuts a
simple, clean appearance that draws inspiration from the classic Samba
Bus from the 1950’s as well as the current design language established
by Walter de Silva (head of design, Volkswagen Group) and Klaus
Bischoff, head of design, Volkswagen.
Intricate headlights featuring
integrated LED running lights frame a bonnet that, through the absence
of a grille, is able to sweep down into the front bumper and create a
bold, simple appearance. At the rear, the lights fit neatly into the
window panel yet sit separately from a pair of 60:40 split doors.
The Milano Taxi is presented as a
concept. Volkswagen continues to work towards its strategy to launch
its first electric vehicle by 2013.
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