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Mahindra Reva e2o electric car launch today
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India's only all-electric passenger car, the e2o, heralds a Reva-lution in clean, green city mobility but will Mahindra be able to overcome barriers to adoption with a killer price tag?
The much delayed and anticipated Mahindra Reva e2o electric car is finally set for launch today. Formerly known as the NXR, the e2o, (pronounced ‘Ee-too-oh’) is powered by 48-volt lithium ion batteries that offer a claimed range of 100km per charge.
Charging can be done anywhere through a standard 15-ampere plug point. A full charge takes 5 hours, while a quick charge option is also there. Mahindra has plonked in some ingenious technologies into the e2o such as Sun2Car, Revive and regenerative braking system that further boost the car’s range. The Sun2Car, for instance, allows people to charge the e2o using solar energy while it’s parked.
Inside, the two-door hatchback can seat four adults. The automatic gearbox features three drive modes including ‘Boost’ for a more spirited driving experience but at the cost of lower range. Also, don’t harbour any hopes of zipping past 80kph – the e2o’s max speed.
The e2o is being assembled at Mahindra’s new factory in Bengaluru, which has an annual output of 30,000 units. The company hopes to sell at least half that number in the domestic market while the rest will be imported to Europe and developing countries in Asia and Africa.
But will the e2o find many takers? Like most small cars in this segment, pricing will be critical. Mahindra had hoped of keeping the e2o’s price just 15-20 per cent higher than regular premium hatchbacks such as Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20, which cost around Rs 5 lakh. But with the government not doling out any subsidy benefits on electric car sales in this year’s Budget, that plan has suffered a jolt.
Still, the e2o’s biggest talking point over its petrol-powered rivals would be its low running cost. Exactly how low, we’d be able to tell only after a comprehensive, rigorous test drive but, in general, electric cars boast an operating cost of 50-60paise/km as against Rs 5-6/km of petrol cars.
In the absence of any sops to the customer, Chetan Maini, Founder and Chief of Strategy & Technology at Mahindra Reva, said he’ll rely on the company’s “internal strategy” to ensure correct pricing. How it all pans out at the launch today will be interesting to see.
Update: Mahindra e2o launched in India at Rs 5.96 lakh (on-road, Delhi). What do you think about the pricing? Share with us in comments.
Photo courtesy: Mahindra Reva Facebook page
Related Mahindra e2o stories:
Mahindra e2o: Special Coverage
Mahindra e2o unveiled at India Gate
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Readers' opinions ( 24 )
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Alex Thomas
I dont see any top executives of India Inc driving electric vehicles. Neither do the Mahindras or Goenkas. Walking the talk helps sell concepts, where a change in lifestyle is expected. Had they adoptred it, maybe this concept would sell, instead of being relegated as a freak-show. The marketing strategy should change to the manufacurer paying for and owning the Battery, whilst the buyer pays for, and owns the car. Like the concept in US, the charging station should fix a new fully-charged Battery and disconnect and retain the old one whenever required by the driver-owner, with the owner paying only a proportional rental-amount - like for a full-tank of fuel. This would reduce the potential owners' fear of having to pay for an expensive battery with the attendant fears of replacing it due to a possible fault. A large portion of the cost of an EV is constituted by the Battery. The consequent reduction in price shift - with cost of the battery being retained by the manufacturer- would make the EV an attractive proposition for city cycles, till--over time, it becomes fashionable to own one. Alex, Bangalore
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Manish
Is the car fitted with solar pannel. What exactly is sun to charge. If it is additional how would be the cost.
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Kannan
Can we expect the corrupt Govt/politicians, who live with public funds, allow full tax exemption?
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Ajoy George
The warranty on the battery and the motor would also be crucial to compare the price tag. The battery would definitely be the most expensive and has to be changed at a particular time period.
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Ravi
Price doesn't match up to the charging it provides for one full charge. Price of 5 lakhs pluswith a full charge of just 100 kms is just not acceptable by today's customers. I guess Mahindra will soon have to launch a better model or version2 model of the same.
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