With concerns growing over a potential shortage of London black cabs, HJS says there is another option already available to eligible TX4 owners: upgrade the cab you already have.
With confirmation that production of the current LEVC TX is ending, and its next generation replacement not expected to reach the UK market until the end of 2027, concerns grow about a potential short term shortage of London taxis.
The concern is understandable. As older taxis reach their licensing age limit and the supply of replacement vehicles becomes constrained, keeping sufficient licensed black cabs available for drivers and passengers will be increasingly important.
But for owners of eligible Euro 5 TX4 taxis, there is already another route available: retrofit.
HJS Emission Technology has now completed 100 successful Euro 5 to Euro 6 TX4 retrofit installations! The HJS system has been specifically developed to upgrade eligible Euro 5 TX4 taxis to meet Euro 6 emissions requirements. Transport for London has already approved the HJS retrofit system. TfL states that the system successfully completed the required technical and emissions assessments and issued an approval notice.
Under current TfL rules, Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel taxis have a maximum operating age of 12 years, whereas Euro 6 diesel taxis have a maximum age of 15. When an eligible Euro 5 TX4 is fitted with the TfL approved HJS SCR retrofit system and the required licensing conditions are satisfied, its maximum age limit can increase from 12 to 15 years, bringing it into line with other Euro 6 diesel taxis. That potentially gives an eligible TX4 owner up to three additional years before the vehicle reaches its maximum licensing age.
For eligible TX4 owners, upgrading an existing vehicle offers a different approach: retain a taxi that the driver already owns and knows, improve its emissions performance to Euro 6 requirements, and keep it licensed for longer.
At a time when London is discussing how to maintain black cab availability during a potential shortage of replacement vehicles, upgrading suitable existing taxis could form part of the solution.