VW taxi of the future

Volkswagen has unveiled the taxi of the future, an electric concept called the Milano. It chose the Hanover Trade Show in Germany this week to showcase its take on tomorrow’s taxi.

The styling draws heavily on the Space Up! Blue concept Volkswagen that first aired at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

This time around though VW’s designers have taken off the rear door on the driver’s side so passengers can only get in and out of the car at the kerb, which will be great for left-hand drive markets.

The new kerb-side door cantilevers out and away from the passengers, giving them access to a luggage area next to the driver.

The taxi concept also has a touch screen monitor already being used in New York taxis.

Like the production electric vehicles VW plans to build from 2013, the Milano uses high-tech lithium ion batteries. A 45kW battery pack is mounted in the floor and provides a range of almost 300km.