Gloucestershire-based Optimas Solutions (www.optimas.com) has signed a long-term agreement with the London EV Co (LEVC) to deliver optimised fasteners for the new TX electric taxi, which will be made at the latter’s £325 million production plant in Coventry.

Ian Carvell, European engineering director at Optimas, said: “We have been involved in this project from first principles, working closely with LEVC engineers to define suitable fasteners to deliver a vehicle that meets the challenging design brief.

Now with a defined Bill of Materials, we can begin implementing a full fastener supply framework to ensure that this innovative vehicle is on the roads as soon as possible.”

Phillip Bracken, procurement director at LEVC, added: “Throughout the prototyping stage of the TX, Optimas was a dynamic fastener partner, helping us to achieve application goals to demanding schedules at a competitive cost point.

"With this proof of expertise, Optimas was the natural choice to bolster our production activities from a fastener standpoint, so we are delighted to grow this partnership to further support our future activities.”

Transport for London expects taxis with zero-emission capability — like the TX — to account for 9,000 of London’s black cabs by 2020. The TX will also be used in cities around the world; export deals have already been signed with importers in Holland and Norway.