2014 Indian Auto Expo: Mahindra Reva unveils Halo electric sportscar concept

Mahindra might be eager to reduce its carbon footprint but that doesn’t mean it has to make slow boxy hatchbacks. The Halo concept Mahindra Reva revealed at the Auto Expo is a small electric sportscar. It’s sleek, sits low, has two doors, two seats, large wheels and an all-electric powertrain. The Halo’s dimensions look very similar to the Honda S660 concept.

It car do the 0-100kph sprint in 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 kmph claims Mahindra. Agreed it isn’t technically sportscar quick but why wouldn’t you want a car that looks as good as the Halo, is decently quick and potentially more efficient than the conventional hatchback. It also has a bigger range than the e2o hatchback. The Halo will be available with two range options – one will have between 100 to 150km and the top-end model will have a range of 200km.

In a bid to make EVs more convenient to use, Mahindra Reva has also developed a quick charging station. With a port provided at the back of the e2o next to the number plate, one can charge the car by plugging in the cable into the charging station. It takes one hour for a full charge and 25km over a cup of coffee says Mahindra Reva CEO Chetan Maini.

Mahindra also showcased the Verito Electric at the Expo. The Verito being a heavier car than the e2o and likely to carry the same electric motor and battery has a smaller range of just 80km to the e2o’s 100km. It has a top speed of 85 kmph and takes seven hours for a full charge or can get up to 80 percent charge using the quick charge facility in one hour.