Mahindra plans to introduce the Verito Electric by mid-2015 and will be placing it in the taxi and commercial car rental space, where it is expected to give a good response to this vehicle.
Mahindra’s ambitious plans with the e2o electric vehicle did not pan out as the company had hoped. While the automaker anticipated sales of at least 100 units a month with electric cars, it currently manages around 250 units sold on an average every year, far from the number. However, Mahindra has not given up hope yet and is planning to introduce the electric version of the Verito sedan by mid-2015. The Verito Electric though will be positioned in the taxi and commercial car rental categories that are expected to offer a more positive response than the passenger space.
Showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year, the Mahindra Verito Electric is based on the conventionally powered Verito (old generation Dacia Logan) and comes with mild aesthetic changes to differentiate from the regular model, ala omission of the tail pipe. The car uses a 29 kW (39 BHP) AC motor, which is capable of providing 100 kms of range and is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be fully charged in 6 hours. With a top speed of 86 km/hr, the Verito is a very practical electric car and can carry 5 passengers with utmost ease while also providing adequate boot space. It is unclear as of now if Mahindra will be launching the Verito electric for private customers as well.
Mahindra is also planning to export its electric vehicle range to West European markets where EVs find more acceptability and infrastructure as compared to the domestic market. The company has cited countries like UK, Norway and France that is expected to generate an optimum demand for electric vehicles and will later expand to other markets as well. While the e2o is more likely to be offered first, Mahindra will not delay the Verito Electric either which would be an excellent alternative in the taxi space in these markets. Positioned above the top-end Verito diesel, the Verito Electric is expected to come with a price tag of around Rs. 9 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Source – Business Line
