Mahindra Reva, the country’s pioneer electric vehicle, has launched its much awaited Mahindra e2o model at India Gate, New Delhi. Launch ceremony of the model was witnessed by Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minster Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Praful Patel and the Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit. Other significant participants of the event were Chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra and Dr. Pawan Goenka, the Chairman of Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited.
Reportedly, the Mahindra e2o is a sign of Mahindra’s dream of ‘Future of Mobility’ which revolves around the framework of ‘5Cs’, Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever and Cost Effective vehicle technology. According to the auto maker, it would provide a new direction to the way people daily travel in the city. Interestingly, just after its launch, e2o was available at the official dealerships of the company in a phased manner, which means that people residing in Delhi can buy a Reva e2o by paying Rs. 5.9 lakh (price is post state subsidy).
Expressing his views at the launch ceremony, Anand Mahindra said, “The launch of the Mahindra e2o marks an important milestone for the Mahindra Group which brings to mind the historic words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru - 'A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new.’ The Mahindra e2o is the embodiment of that shift from old to new within the Indian automotive industry. It also advances the Mahindra Group's efforts at redefining sustainable urbanization with the creation of an eco system that includes mobility solutions along with other environment friendly innovations.”
Adding to his statement, Pawan Goenka was quoted as saying, “The Mahindra e2o is our humble effort to usher in positive change in the lives of our customers. EVs have always had the potential to emerge as a serious alternative to fossil fuel driven vehicles. With the Mahindra e2o we have taken the lead in not only creating a comprehensive ecosystem to nurture sustainable mobility solutions, but have also firmly placed a choice in the hands of our consumers. They now have the opportunity of shaping the future of mobility as we know it today.”
It must be noted that the Mahindra e2o is an Electric Vehicle (EV), which has been designed to meet the solutions of urban mobility for a sustainable zero-emission environment. With the launch of Reva e2o, Mahindra is looking forward to reduce the issues like pollution related health concerns, environmental degradation, climate change, energy security and increasing fuel prices. This model reflects the company’s endeavour to offer its buyers a smart, clean and economical mobility solution.
Mahindra Reva e2o runs on next generation lithium–ion batteries, coupled with a 3-phase induction electric motor. In a single complete charge, the model can cover a distance of 100 km, which is believed to be quite sufficient for the normal city use. Owing to its small turning radius, the model makes sharp turns a treat. Another key USP of the model is its unique hill-hold function, which frees individual from any anxiety when the vehicle is being driven on inclines. Further, the special ABS body panels make 2013 e2o scratch and dent resistant.
The recently launched model comes equipped with 10 on-board computers, which provides a real time feedback of model’s functions to the driver. It also sends an alert to the driver if anything needs to be fixed on priority. Also, its special technology informs that the vehicle is locked and the cabin is at a preset temperature when the air conditioner is switched on. Interestingly, the e2o is also capable of telling that the driver has forgotten to switch on the plug to charge it. This innovative model also has the potential to monitor that how efficiently the individual is driving it and even provide the details of drive efficiency of the last 6 days in a graphical form. The vehicle also congratulates when the individual achieves 100 per cent driving efficiency.
2013 Mahindra e2o comes equipped with a Boost Mode, which provides it a quick acceleration in the city. The model can be easily charged from any 15A power socket, which is generally available at homes and offices. e2o’s unique connected car technology perfectly blends the energy, mobility and connectivity in automotive sector. Using this feature, customers can access their car with remote using a smart phone app. This application allows them to switch on the AC and lock/unlock the model from anywhere, among others.
Chetan Maini, the Chief of Strategy & Technology, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited, said, “The Mahindra e2o is a near perfect amalgam of the dramatic advancements in automotive technology, electronics and Information Technology - a unique synthesis that we believe will help us shape and co-create, with our customers, the future of personal mobility solutions, as we know them. The Mahindra e2o is designed “outside-in”, as conceived of the car as the third space. It is, thus, a very real solution to power personal mobility for a sustainable future. We are certain that the cutting-edge technological innovation that has gone into the Mahindra e2o will help our customers remain connected in a convenient, cool and cost-effective manner.”
In order to charge the new e2o, individuals have to just plug in the charger in the 15A socket, similar to what they normally do with their cell phones and laptops. This model can be fully charged in just 5 hours, which enables it to run for over 100 km. Moreover, owing to the patented REVive technology, individuals have to no longer worry about the range issues. In case the vehicle runs low on the charge, users can use the connected car technology application from their smart phone to activate the stored reserve energy, which will facilitate them to keep moving again.
Also, the model comes equipped with a 15.5 cm touch screen panel with company fitted GPS navigation system, DVD, radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Using this infotainment system, individuals can locate a direction or place to reach the nearest charging station. Other features provided with the new model includes completely digital cluster, electronically operated wing mirrors, start/stop button, keyless entry, projector headlights, LED taillights, reverse camera for parking and 4 JBL speakers with 2 tweeters. Industry experts are of a view that these features have enabled the Mahindra e2o to compete against the likes of a number of high end cars in terms of advanced features.
Interestingly, the regenerative braking function of Mahindra Reva e2o pumps the energy back into its batteries and charges them every time the individual applies the brake or slows down the vehicle. Owing to the model’s remote and self diagnostics system, individuals need to service the model only once a year that too at their door step. In order to lure a number of buyers, the model has been offered in a number of colour options like Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Eco Green, Oceanic White, Spanish Red and Sunfire Yellow.
Reva e2o also features ‘Sun2Car’ technology, which enables this electric vehicle to utilise the solar energy and emerge as an economical mobility solution. For this feature, the auto maker has incorporated personally created solar charging units within the model, which have made it a cost effective option in the long run. It must be noted that Mahindra Reva has worked round the clock to develop a sustainable technology ecosystem for electric vehicles, which is clearly indicated by the host of features present in the recently launched e2o.
Apart from a number of utilities, Mahindra Reva has also packed safety advancements within the model. Features like high strength steel space frame designing, ISOFIX child seat mount with ALR seat belts, manually adjustable head rests for all seats, dual side impact beams, large front crumple zone and hood designed for pedestrian impact safety have been equipped within the Mahindra e2o, which ensures complete safety of its passengers.
