Mahindra’s next-gen EV is called ‘e₂o’

Mumbai, January 7, 2013: Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles has named its next-generation, future-ready, electric car as the ‘Mahindra e₂o’. Pronounced ‘Ee-too-oh’, in sync with the Mahindra Group’s naming strategy of the ‘oh’ suffix, the new electric vehicle (EV), according to the company, is the first step in the creation of an entire electric vehicle value chain and ecosystem by the Mahindra Group.

The e₂o, which took shape under the project codename NXR, has undergone extensive testing, validation and has been certified as roadworthy in India. It is slated to be launched soon and will be produced at the new Mahindra Reva’s plant in Bangalore which has a production capacity of 30,000 cars per annum. Commenting on the Mahindra e₂o, Dr Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said: “The Mahindra e₂o is a game-changing development within the personal mobility space. We are on the threshold of ushering in a new paradigm across the automotive value chain, by bringing in products and mobility solutions which will bear testimony to our commitment to create a cleaner environment on planet Earth. This is a significant step towards creating a comprehensive eco-system of sustainable mobility solutions, encompassing alternative technologies such as electric, hybrid and fuel cells into our research, development and commercialisation plans”.

Chetan Maini, founder and chief of Strategy & Technology, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles (pictured above) said, “The Mahindra e₂o is a very real solution to power personal mobility for a sustainable future. Based on the Mahindra Group’s 5Cs reference framework -- Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever and Cost Effective -- this truly is a technologically advanced mobility solution for the future. Besides being a true friend of the environment, thee₂o also brings to the Indian consumer cutting-edge technological innovation that will help them remain connected in a convenient and cost-effective manner”. The e₂o will use next-generation lithium ion batteries and have a range of 100km per charge, which is adequate for most daily journeys within the city. The e₂o will enable users to charge their vehicle through any 15 ampere plug point at home, or at the workplace.



Mahindra Reva has also developed and integrated a host of proprietary technologies for the e₂o. In addition, the EV is capable of using the futuristic ecosystem of ‘Sun2Car’ to derive solar energy to charge the vehicle.

Mahindra Reva will reap the benefits of the government’s concerted move to drive sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in India and will help price the new e₂o. The next fiscal (2013-14) is likely to see the government provide handsome subsidies of up to Rs 150,000 on electric cars and Rs 50,000 on electric two-wheelers. On January 9, prime minister Manmohan Singh is set to unveil the National Mission Plan for Electric and Hybrid vehicles. In line with this ambitious programme, the government is expected to spend around Rs 22,000 crore between the years 2013-2020 to promote EVs. Of this amount, the government will release around Rs 14,000 crore, while the balance Rs 8,000 crore will be invested by the automotive industry in research and development activities.