Dalian's new electric cabs roomier, greener, more wheelchair friendly

One hundred extended range electric black cabs were put into service in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Feb 23 to facilitate travel for larger families and passengers in wheelchairs.

Dalian is the first domestic city to make use of the TX5 electric taxi, which was launched in 2017 by the London Electric Vehicle Company, a subsidiary of Chinese automobile manufacturer Geely Holding Group.

As a new model of the traditional London black cab, it is expected to become a feature of the landscape in the northeastern port city.

"In recent years, passenger demand for high-end, customized car service has risen as incomes have increased, and so has demand for barrier-free travel that makes life easier for the elderly and the physically disabled," said Yang Jun, vice-general manager of Geely's ride-hailing company Limao Chuxing.

To create more space, the front passenger seat of the new taxi serves as a luggage compartment, with comfortable rear seating that can accommodate up to six passengers.

The taxi is accessible to strollers or people in wheelchairs thanks to an easy-to-use ramp. Even passengers with severe mobility issues are taken into account, as the outer flip seats are able to rotate to a position outside the passenger door, making sitting down and getting out easier.

Recognizing the potential the TX5 presents on the domestic market, Geely set up a new subsidiary to provide ride-hailing services in August, mainly targeting larger families, the disabled and those with oversized luggage.

Yang said that Dalian's fleet of new taxis is being operated by a local subsidiary of Limao Chuxing, and all drivers have been trained to provide proper service.

The new taxi uses range-extending technology and lightweight materials and aims to play its part in promoting green public transportation.

Capable of traveling over 100 kilometers in electric mode, it boasts a range of 600 km when its internal combustion engine is also used to recharge the battery.

Wang Shaocheng, head of Dalian's transportation bureau, said that the introduction of the new taxis is part of a local government project designed to improve life in the city.

Residents and visitors can book one via the car-hailing app, or they can flag a passing cab on the street.

The city will continue to accelerate its upgrade and renewal of new-energy and clean-energy vehicles, as well as continue to improve the quality of public travel, he added.