Geely-owned London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), the manufacturer of the black cab, has taken the wraps off its new 8-seater minivan, the L380. A state-of-the-art new EV platform, Space Oriented Architecture (SOA), forms the basis for the brand's first model in a range of new electric vehicles. With this, the firm intends to accelerate its transition to a leading e-mobility solutions provider from a high-end taxi manufacturer.
Deriving its name from the world's largest passenger aircraft – the Airbus A380, the LEVC L380 MPV will initially go on sale in the Chinese market in 2024, followed by other international markets. Upon launch, the new electric vehicle from the London Taxi Company will go toe-to-toe with the Zeekr 009, Volvo EM90, Maxus Mifa 9, Li Mega, and others. The MPV will be manufactured in Zhejiang, China.
LEVC L380: Exterior, Interior
In its styling, the newly unveiled LEVC L380 borrows its cues from the world's largest airliner. Up front, the minivan features a full-width LED strip, bumper-mounted headlamps, a large windshield, and slim air intakes. On the sides, the vehicle has massive windows and flush door handles. The rear end, meanwhile, sports full-width LED tail-lamps. Apart from that, some of the Airbus A380's sleek lines have also been carried over to the single-box minivan.
LEVC says that the electric van will be offered in 6-seater and 8-seater configurations, with the latter featuring a 4-row arrangement. The rearmost row can be folded and stowed, whereas the third row can slide back and forward for more legroom.
LEVC L380: Size/Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, the new L380 measures 5,316mm in length, 1,998mm in width, and 1,940mm in height. The wheelbase and kerb weight are marked at 3,185mm and 2,805kg, respectively.
LEVC L380: Underpinnings, Drivetrain
The LEVC L380 sits on the company's new SOA that can support front-, rear-, and four-wheel drive powertrains. Underneath the skin, the L380 gets a front-mounted electric motor that works in conjunction with a nickel-cobalt-manganate (NMC) battery pack, supplied by CATL (Chinese battery manufacturer). The electric motor alone can produce 264bhp, while the company has yet to disclose the battery specifications. For reference, the platform supports batteries ranging between 73kWh and 120kWh, yielding a range of 695 kilometres.
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LEVC L380: What the Company Has to Say?
Alex Nan, CEO, LEVC, said, “LEVC’s strategy is to become a leading zero-carbon mobility technology company and our new direction will see us grow beyond manufacturing the world’s most advanced taxi, the TX, and deliver smart, green, safe, and accessible mobility solutions to all. Building on our unrivalled heritage in producing the iconic London black cab, we have adapted our business to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for spacious, flexible electric vehicles".
"The L380 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) debuts today and ushers in not one but two firsts for LEVC: it is our first model to be based on advanced, flexible Space Oriented Architecture (SOA) technology – and it also launches LEVC into an entirely new sector. Setting new standards for occupant-focused interior space, L380 raises the bar for large luxury fully electric MPVs. The first of a new range of models, it is inspired by our rich history, combined with the resources of the Geely organisation, setting us on an exciting new path, bringing advanced zero-emission transportation to more customers than ever before."
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