In a city famous for its black cabs, a green revolution is in preparation. <br /><br />From 2018, all new London taxis will have to be able to operate without producing any carbon emissions. <br /><br />It is part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s bid to tackle pollution in the city, while preserving the cab’s traditional shape.<br /><br />Five manufactures including Nissan, Metrocab, and London Taxi Company have outlined details of the zero emission models they are developing based on electric and hydrogen technologies.<br /><br />Some of those vehicles are expected to be on London’s streets as soon as next year. London has already added 1,400 new charging stations to support electric taxis. <br /><br />The mayor said the new low-emission taxi target could slash pollution and help Britain avoid hefty fines from the EU for failing to meet air quality standards.<br /><br />Black cabs – which mostly have diesel engines – are blamed for creating nearly one third of harmful particulate matter in the most polluted parts of central London.
