LEVC, the British maker of the London Black Car, is transforming from a high-end taxi manufacturer to a leading provider of pure electric global vehicles.

The company, based at Ansty near Coventry, has revealed the first of a rang of new fully electric models that is based on parent company Geely's space-oriented architecture.

The L380 is a large MPV with seating for up to eight in a luxury appointed cabin.

It propels the company into an entirely new market, delivering smart, green, safe and accessible mobility, raising the bar for interior flexibility, with multiple seating configurations, available in a six or eight-seat layout.

The L380 will initially be launched in China in 2024 and will become available in additional markets with more details - including technical specifications - to follow next year.

Alex Nan, chief executive of 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 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."

LEVC's history began in 1908 when the first black cab was specially designed and commissioned for use in London.

With its unmistakable silhouette and classic design cues, the iconic British vehicle has defined the company for more than a century.

In 2018, LEVC introduced its latest taxi model, the electric TX. The TX is the world's cleanest, most advanced taxi ever, powered by LEVC's eCity technology.

Since 2014, Geely has invested more than £500 million into LEVC, allowing it to build an entirely new eco-friendly manufacturing facility, the UK's first dedicated to the production of electric vehicles.