Mahindra has launched the e2o in the Indian market finally, which is a 2-door hatchback with 4-seats. The Mahindra e2o is available only in one variant which is priced at Rs. 5.96 lakhs (on-road, Delhi, post state subsidy). This electric vehicle which was earlier known as the Reva NXR (Next Generation Reva) was unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo last year and is called the Future of Mobility by Mahindra. Earlier today, Mahindra unveiled the car in the presence of many ministers, including Sheila Dixit (Chief Minister, Delhi), who said that women will get special concessions if the purchase the Mahindra e2o. A person driving the Mahindra e2o will save Rs. 70,000/- every year in fuel costs. Mahindra is betting big on the e2o and plans to launch a series of electric vehicles in the future. So what are the salient features of the e2o?
Mahindra says the e2o is an extremely silent vehicle, naturally as it no engine and thus no noise and vibrations. The company calls this a ‘Silent Revolution’. Mahindra hasn’t compromised on safety and the e2o gets 3 crumple zones, side impact dual beams, immobilizer, adjustable headrests on all seats, gear shif and charge interlocks. Mahindra also proudly states that the Reva e2o is a scrach and dent resistant vehicle as it uses ABS body panel which is impregnated and not painted.
Mahindra e2o Key Facts –
- Price – Rs. 5.96 lakhs (on-road, Delhi)
- Range – 100 kms
- Charging Time – 5 hours for full charge, 1 hour for 20% charge which gives 20 kms range, full charge consumes 10 units of electricity.
- Running costs – Rs. 0.50 per km
- Top Speed – 81 km/hr
The Mahindra e2o doesn’t have to be serviced often as it has remote and self diagnostics. There is no oil or filter change either and when the car needs to be serviced, which is once a year, Reva mechnics will come at your doorstep to do it. The Mahindra e2o comes with an automatic gearbox and has a turning radius of just 3.9-metres. It also has Hill Hold making driving in city conditions easy. The Mahindra e2o has zero emissions. It has an Intelligent Energy Management System with 10 on-board computers which give real-time drive information including a host of media options.
Mahindra has made a smartphone app for the e2o, which will enable owners lock, unlock, turn on AC, locate nearest charge port, etc from their phones. The EV also has REVive technology which when enabled activates reserve charge. Mahindra has incorporated Regenerative Braking System which recharges the battery when you apply brakes. Regular charging comes from 15 Ampere plug point and the Mahindra e2o can also be charged from Solar energy (optional) using Sun2Car technology, which costs Rs. 1.5 lakhs for the panel and battery packs. Mahindra has offered 6 colours on the e2o namely silver, bue, white, green, yellow and red. The Mahindra e2o is available in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin and Chandigarh.
Mahindra e2o Features –
- Follow me home headlamps
- Hill Hold
- Reverse Camera
- Digital User Manual
- GPS Navigation with integrated maps
- Bluetooth connectivity
- One touch foldable seats
- LED tail lamps
- Scissor Wipers
- Rear Defogger
- Driver Infotainment System
- Keyless entry with button start/stop
- Electric rear view mirrors
- Projector headlamps
- 6.2-inch touch screen infotainment system
- CD/DVD/USB/AUX/MicroSD and iPod connectivity
- 4 JBL speakers with 2 tweeters
- Dual damping glove box
- Your car’s personal web page
Mahindra e2o Specifications –
- Motor – 3 phase induction motor
- Power – 19 kW @ 3750 RPM (around 25 BHP)
- Torque – 53 Nm between 0-3400 RPM
- Battery – 48V maintenance free lithium-ion
- Top Speed – 81 km/hr
- Range – 100 kms in one full charge
- Charging Time – 5 hours to full charge 1 hr for 20 kms range from standard 220V 15 A socket
- Brakes – 215 mm disc (front), 180 mm drum (rear)
- Tyres – 155/70/13 low resistance tubeless
- Suspension – Gas filled MacPherson Struts (front), Gas filled shock absorber with coil sprints (rear)
- Panels and Bumpers – Color impregnated and dent resistant body panel
- Frame/Chassis – Welded Tubular structure
- Length x Width x Height – 3280 mm x 1514 mm x 1660 mm
- Wheelbase – 1958 mm
- Ground Clearance – 180 mm
- Turning Radius – 3.9 m
- Kerb Weight – 830 kgs
The Delhi government is giving a subsidy of 15% on the e2o, along with 2% reduction on road tax along with VAT reversal, which gives a 29.5% benefit. The Maharashtra government has completely waived off road tax on this electric vehicle while the Karnataka government has reduced road tax to 5%. There are no incentives by other states.
Mahindra is hoping to sell 400-500 units of the e2o every month, targeting people who want a second car. The company is also planning exports of the vehicle. Mahindra has invested Rs. 100 crore in the Reva e2o project which is inclusive of the plant. Mahindra is also planning to develop electric two-wheelers.
