The TX, Geely's new black taxi, which runs on a hybrid engine, sits on a factory production line. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Yiwu, a city in Zhejiang province, has teamed up with Chinese automaker Geely to improve the city's taxis, local media reported on June 30.

The local cab-hailing service provider has purchased 6 years of ownership rights to 50 electric taxis known as the TX from Geely's subsidiary London EV Company (LEVC). They will be operated by Geely's Yiwu branch.

The cooperation is meant to promote eco-friendly public transportation, improve Yiwu's taxi industry, and achieve the city's goal of "becoming a model city with a first-class business environment".

According to LEVC, the TX is powered by an electric engine and has a total range of around 600 km, of which more than 100 km are electric, with an internal combustion engine being used to recharge the battery.

The TX has a large square intake grille, a wide, square-shaped body, and side-by-side doors for passengers to get in and out easily. It is also accessible to passengers in wheelchairs.

Back in 2013, Geely acquired the London Taxi Company, which manufactures London's iconic black cabs. Geely rebranded the company LEVC and used it to design the TX, which runs on a hybrid engine.