Lucas Electric Taxi

The Lucas Electric Taxi is a prototype electric vehicle first shown to the public last the British Motor Show in 1975.

Developed by British electronics company Lucas and Ogle Design, the battery powered car featured a 50 bhp 216 volt motor and incorporates regenerative braking. The lead acid battery pack is designed for charging in situ or by exchanging for a ready charged set.

The Electric Taxi is front wheel drive and has a claimed range of 100 mi and a top speed of 50 mi/h.

The two prototypes were registered and undertook various trials, including a speed trial at the British Grand Prix on 18 July 1976. One of the prototypes was put on display at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in 1979 and then was relocated to British Motor Museum in 1987. It was then sold to a private collector. Lucas retained the other prototype but was destroyed in a fire.

From 1977 Lucas continued to develop its electric vehicle technology in the Bedford CF electric van.