The 2019 Nissan Dynamo was the first fully electric cab in London… since 1897, when Walter Bersey launched his fleet of battery powered taxis. Unfortunately, the weight of the batteries caused a significant amount of wear and tear on the tyres and the fleet was withdrawn within two years.
Bersey electric cab, 1897, designed by Walter Bersey (General Manager of the London Electrical Cab Company). Berseys were built by the Great Horseless Carriage Company, fitted with Mulliner bodies and powered by 3-1/2 horse power Lundell type motors with a range of 30 miles, and a top speed of 9 mph.An improved version with larger batteries was constructed by the Gloucester Railway Waggon Company. Breakdowns, coupled with the high cost of batteries and tyres made operations unprofitable, and the company was closed down in August, 1899. Altogether it is thought 77 cabs to Bersey's design were made by the two companies.
