Coventry-based — and Chinese-owned — London Taxi Co opened a £300 million factory at Ansty Park in March and has now been relaunched as LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Co).

This coincides with a significant order for its new TX taxi from the Netherlands.

Alongside the unveiling of the new name and brand logo, LEVC revealed the final version of its new London taxi — the TX eCity — which consists of an advanced battery-electric powertrain with a 1.3-litre petrol engine as a range extender.

The company claims that this technology will result in a range of more than 400 miles, including well over 70 miles with zero emissions. The company is also set to diversify its product range by making an electric van, using the same powertrain as the TX taxi.

LEVC CEO Chris Gubbey said: “Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from sister company Volvo, our products will help to transform city living and give taxi drivers an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our diesel model.

“London has led the way in setting out tough measures to reduce taxi and van emissions. In a few years’ time, we expect EVs for the commercial operator to become not just commonplace but mandatory in cities around the world, creating huge opportunities for LEVC globally.”

RMC, a taxi operator in the Netherlands, has placed an order for 225 of LEVC’s new taxis, to be delivered in 2018. It has also agreed to be LEVC’s importer for the Netherlands.