A Glasgow taxi driver who has helped cut emissions as his EV black cab clocked up enough miles to go past the moon is celebrating making astronomical savings.

Earlier this month, Gary Bowers’ LEVC TX clocked up more than 280,000 miles since it was bought in 2018 – 40,000 miles further than the distance to the moon.

As well as reducing emissions, the plug-in hybrid with range extender has delivered incredible savings for the 60-year-old, who runs the cab during the day and has a partner who operates it at night.

Astronomical savings

By getting the most out of the cab and selecting to charge it at off-peak times, Gary has saved £85,000 compared to the cost of running a diesel cab which covered the same distance.

On a full EV charge, the cab can travel 80 miles but with the 1.5-litre petrol motor range extender, it can cover 377 miles. As well as preventing range anxiety for someone who earns their living on the road, the TX has other features which Gary loves, including its maneuverability, visibility, and ease of driving.

It has been designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, offers flexible space for up to six passengers, and includes an integrated wheelchair ramp, enabling a passenger in a wheelchair to face forward.

Worlds apart

Gary, who has been a cabbie for 28 years, has previously enjoyed different versions of the iconic black cab, including the TX1, TX2, and TX4, but says the LEVC EV stands out from the rest, with customers enjoying “the quietness, smoothness, and panoramic roof – which makes the whole cabin area feel more spacious.”

He said: “I love the maneuverability, the visibility, and the ease of driving. Overall, it’s just a great experience for passengers and a great working environment for the driver.”

And Gary has structured his business to get the most out of the technology and efficiency behind the TC.

He said: “I normally work from about 8am to 6pm and the night shift works from 9.15pm to 4 or 5am. This gives us the chance to charge twice during the day and gives both of us the benefit of earning from the battery and getting cheaper miles.”

Hi-tech

And manufacturer LEVC has also been impressed with Gary’s epic service.

CEO Alex Nan said: “Gary’s achievement is testament to the hard work that professional taxi drivers undertake, in the name of public service, day in, day out.

“In designing, engineering, and manufacturing the world’s most-advanced electric taxi from the ground up, we have ensured the TX is the ideal vehicle for drivers, passengers, and the planet.

“Since its launch, the TX has delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution, with more than 788 million miles travelled in TX taxis globally since launch, and more than 240,000 tonnes of CO2 saved from being emitted into the atmosphere.”

Commitment

Stephen Porter, branch manager at The Taxi Centre, where Gary made the switch to EV, said: “Gary’s extraordinary journey to surpass 280,000 miles in his LEVC TX is a significant milestone that not only showcases the exceptional durability and performance of the TX, but also reflects our commitment to providing vehicles that can endure the stellar demands of taxi service, no matter where the journey takes the driver.

“The TX’s revolutionary range extender and full-electric capability have proven to be a game-changer in the industry, offering unparalleled reliability. It’s no surprise that Gary chose the LEVC TX; a vehicle that’s as hardworking as he is!

“We eagerly anticipate the day, when Gary returns – perhaps not from the moon, but certainly with stories that are out of this world – ready to embark on his next adventure with a new LEVC.”

All information is correct at time of publication. Information provided within this article may have changed over time. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by John Patons Insurance Services or any of its employees.

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