One80 Ltd commisioned RES to carry out the concept, feasibility, prototype and production engineering for a rear steer conversion of a Mercedes Vito. This vehicle, now available as the 'One80 Taxi', achieves the requirements of the Public Carriage Office and is licensed for use as a 'London Taxi'. The performance, quality & reliability of a Mercedes Vito is now avaible for the London cab driver.
The Project
The design and engineering for a rear steer conversion of a Mercedes Vito for use as a London Taxi.
Achievements
The new rear steer system means that the One80 Taxi meets the tight turning circle requirements of the PCO. The interior conversion provides seating for up to 7 adults with ease of access provided by the electrically operated sliding door. Randle Engineering provided:
- Feasibility / concept design
- Prototype design & build for use as a Proof-of-concept vehicle
- Management, specification & integration of actuators and control system
- Pre-production vehicle build for Test & Validation
- Production part design, analysis, sourcing
Technology
- Electric actuator on each side drives steerable knuckle
- Actuator brake and secondary knuckle lock-out restrain wheel position
- Cab operated push-button one-time operation
- Control system monitors vehicle speed, wheel angle
- Rear steer 'delay' at start of manoevre prevents rear from mounting kerb
