Mahindra e2o launched for Rs 5.96 lakh

Mahindra Reva has launched its e2o electric car for Rs 5.96 lakh (on road-Delhi). The e2o was unveiled as the Reva NXR at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Designed by DC Designs, the new electric car is bigger, more spacious and faster with longer range than the outgoing Revai.

The Mahindra e2o is a two-door four seater hatchback and runs on a three-phase induction motor producing 19kW (25bhp) and 53Nm of torque.  The motor is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery which on a full charge can give the car a range of 100km and has a top speed of 81kmph. 

The battery can be charged from a 15amp plug-point and eventually using specially designed solar chargers which the company is expected to be released soon. During the launch Chetan maini, chief of technology, said the company will install an e2o specific plug-point inside the house of the e2o owner and the charging meter will be installed where the car is expected to be parked. The installation of the equipment will take place before the car is delivered.       

The Bengaluru-based EV maker has introduced many of its new connectivity technologies in the e2o. It has created smartphone applications which will allow the driver to connect to a telematics device in the car. This gives them access to features like remote locking, remote AC operation as well as its REVive technology that gives access to an emergency power reserve that will allow the car to travel an additional 8-9kms. 

Mahindra Reva has also installed regenerative braking, GPS system, music connectivity as well as 10 on-board computers which provide various bits of information on the car via 6.2-inch touchscreen installed in the cabin. The EV is being offered in six different colours artic silver, coral blue, eco green, oceanic white, Spanish red and sunfire yellow.

 The car will be launched across eight cities via its 29 dealerships in the first phase. It aims to sell 400 to 500 units a month. There will also be an export version of the e2o which is expected to differ from the India-spec version and this will be ready early next year.