Guide to keeping LEVC TX maintained during lockdown

LEVC has created a guide to help cab drivers maintain their TX electric taxi’s condition while the vehicle is not being driven during the lockdown. 

Maintain the vehicle’s battery

To build up sufficient charge in the vehicle's 12-volt battery, it is recommended to turn the TX on to initiate ‘Drive’ mode - ensuring that the parking brake is applied, and the gear selection is in neutral. It is then recommended that the vehicle is left in “Driving mode” for a minimum of 15 minutes, during this time the 12-volt battery is being charged by the High Voltage (HV) battery. No other operator input is required and the Range Extender does not need to be running. To ensure that the battery remains in optimum condition, this procedure should be completed every 10 days.

Furthermore, if a home charge point is available for charging the HV battery, it is recommended that the HV battery is topped up above 75 per cent state of charge.

Check tyres

To ensure the TX’s tyres remain inflated and avoid potential flat spots developing, drivers are advised to check the tyre pressures against those specified in the Operator’s Handbook and App (which can be downloaded at: www.levc.com/txoperatorapp). It is also advised to move the vehicle back and forth every 14 days to change the point of pressure on the tyres.

Maintain brakes

After extended periods of non-use, it is recommended that the brakes are carefully applied when first driven again. The brake discs may have light surface corrosion present and it is common to hear a scraping sound and feel a vibration for the first few seconds. This is expected and normal brake operation will remove this light surface corrosion.

Paint and exterior

Dirt, tree sap and bird lime can damage exterior surfaces and it is important to wash off this to prevent permanent damage. Regular washing is advisable, particularly if the TX is parked under a tree or bush.

Range Extender

If the vehicle is not going to be driven for a long period of time, it’s recommended to fill the TX’s petrol tank to full as this will reduce the likelihood of any condensation building up.

Vehicle service schedule and LEVC authorised repairer contact

The LEVC Authorised Repairer network is currently running at a reduced capacity due to the restrictions currently in place. There are still a number of LEVC authorised repairers open with priority given to essential service vehicles and key workers. If a TX service is due and can’t be booked in at a local LEVC Authorised Repairer, the vehicle can continue to be used until a service slot becomes available without compromising the vehicles warranty.