LEVC Unveils Next-Gen London Black Cab for 2027
LEVC Unveils Next-Gen London Black Cab for 2027
London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), the Geely-owned manufacturer formerly known as London Taxi Company, will launch a new-generation London black cab in the second half of 2027. The upcoming model will replace the LEVC TX, which has been on the market for nearly a decade. The new taxi is relevant to Malaysian audiences because it represents the direction of electric commercial vehicle development from a brand owned by Geely, the parent company of Proton, indicating potential future technology transfer and right-hand-drive EV platform sharing with Malaysia's automotive sector.
Key Facts
The following table presents verified data points from the source material regarding LEVC's production plans, financial status, and technical direction for the 2027 model.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch timeframe | Second half of 2027 |
| Current model being replaced | LEVC TX (in production for nearly a decade) |
| LEVC owner | Geely (China-based automotive group) |
| Current production facility | Ansty, near Coventry, United Kingdom |
| Potential alternative production site | Yiwu, China (Geely factory) |
| TX units sold in 2025 | 725 units |
| LEVC after-tax loss in 2025 | £54.9 million (approximately RM313 million) |
| Likely powertrain | 1.5-litre range-extender system (retained from TX) |
When Will the New LEVC London Black Cab Launch?
LEVC will launch the new-generation London black cab in the second half of 2027, according to a report by Autocar published on 17 September 2026. The company has not yet confirmed the final assembly location for the new model, with the Ansty plant in Coventry currently under review for future use.
**The new-generation LEVC taxi is scheduled for release in the second half of 2027, replacing the current TX model which is being phased out due to new regulatory requirements for seat strength, seat mounting points, and head restraints.**
The TX is currently being discontinued in stages because existing regulations prevent the model from being modified to meet updated safety standards. LEVC confirmed it achieved its sales target after selling 725 units of the TX in 2025, and production for the current year will be limited to final-stage assembly processes.
Where Will the Next-Generation LEVC Taxi Be Assembled?
The assembly location for the next-generation LEVC taxi remains unconfirmed, with production currently based at Ansty near Coventry, UK. LEVC is working with Geely on development activities for the new-generation TX and is seeking to continue assembly at Ansty, but the company acknowledges uncertainty around development timelines, investment, product introduction, and future use of the facility.
**Potential alternative assembly locations include Geely's factory in Yiwu, China, which LEVC has previously described as its manufacturing base in China, although no LEVC-branded models have been built there to date.**
The Ansty plant could potentially be repurposed to assemble other models from the Geely Auto Group portfolio in the future. The decision on assembly location will play a critical role in securing LEVC's future after the company recorded an after-tax loss of £54.9 million (RM313 million) in 2025.
What Powertrain Will the New LEVC Taxi Use?
LEVC has not yet announced the technical specifications for the new-generation taxi, but the model will likely retain the 1.5-litre range-extender system used by the current TX. This system is designed to meet London's emissions regulations and the requirements of taxi drivers operating in suburban areas.
**The next-generation LEVC taxi is expected to retain the 1.5-litre range-extender powertrain to comply with London emissions rules and serve suburban driving requirements.**
Design sketches published by LEVC show the new model retains the circular front headlamps characteristic of the current TX, but adopts a more boxy and lower body profile. LEVC has also previously offered a commercial van version based on the TX platform in an effort to expand the model's market reach.
What Financial Challenges Is LEVC Facing?
LEVC recorded an after-tax loss of £54.9 million (RM313 million) in 2025, according to the Autocar report. The company cites high inflation, interest rates, a reduction in the number of licensed black cab drivers in London, and the termination of the UK government's Plug-in Taxi Grant in April 2026 as contributing factors.
**LEVC suffered a £54.9 million after-tax loss in 2025, driven by high inflation, elevated interest rates, declining licensed driver numbers, and the end of the UK Plug-in Taxi Grant in April 2026.**
Higher energy and labour costs in the UK compared to China have made cost reduction an important consideration for the company. LEVC is now seeking to increase demand for the TX in other UK regions and overseas markets. A LEVC spokesperson told Autocar that the company, together with Geely Auto Group, remains committed to the UK and regards the country as its primary market.
How Does This Relate to Malaysian EV Development?
For Malaysian users, LEVC's next-generation black cab development matters because Geely controls both LEVC and holds a significant stake in Proton, Malaysia's national automaker. The range-extender technology used in London taxis could inform future Proton hybrid or EV models designed for Malaysian conditions, including tropical climate performance and right-hand-drive configurations.
**Geely's ownership of LEVC creates potential technology pathways for Proton to adopt range-extender or electric commercial vehicle platforms for Malaysian market conditions, including tropical climate adaptation and 240V charging infrastructure compatibility.**
Malaysia's EV policy framework, including tax incentives for locally assembled EVs and the expansion of charging networks under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, may benefit from technology insights derived from LEVC's experience in regulatory compliance and commercial EV deployment. The British standard 240V electrical system shared between Malaysia and the UK simplifies potential technology transfer for charging infrastructure compatibility.
Common Questions
Will the new LEVC taxi be sold in Malaysia?
There is no confirmed plan for LEVC taxis to be sold directly in Malaysia. However, given Geely's partnership with Proton, future right-hand-drive electric or range-extender commercial vehicles based on LEVC platforms could potentially be evaluated for the Malaysian market.
What is a range-extender powertrain and why does it matter?
A range-extender combines an electric motor with a small internal combustion engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery while driving. This system reduces emissions in urban areas while maintaining long-distance capability, which is relevant for Malaysian drivers concerned about EV range anxiety.
How many LEVC TX units were sold in 2025?
LEVC sold 725 units of the TX model in 2025. This figure represents the company's sales target achievement for the year, with production in 2026 limited to final-stage assembly as the model is phased out.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a report by Qalif Latif published on Careta on 17 September 2026, titled "LEVC Lancar Teksi Hitam London Generasi Baharu Pada 2027." The original report cites Autocar as its source for information supplied by LEVC representatives. Currency conversion from British pounds to Malaysian ringgit (RM) is approximate at RM5.70 per £1, based on available exchange rate data. This article was last updated on 17 September 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was contextualised based on Geely's existing relationship with Proton and Malaysia's national EV policy framework.