Mahindra launches electric vehicle project under NEMMP 2020

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has launched its first electric vehicle project on January 16, 2015 at the Taj Zero Emission Corridor in Agra. The project will be carried forward by M&M Ltd. with the support of the Government of India under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). M&M gave the Agra Development Authority four Mahindra Maxximo Electric Vans to be used on the Taj Zero Emission Corridor.   

The Mahindra Maxximo Electric Van is based on the diesel version of the Maxximo Mini Van which was launched in April 2011. The Maxximo Electric Van is an 8-seater zero-emission mini-van powered by four lithium-ion batteries. Capable of covering a distance of 100 kilometers on a single charge, the Maxximo Electric Van is fully-automatic and can hit an electronically limited top-speed of 65 kilometers per hour. The Mahindra Maxximo Electric Van is expected to be production ready by FY-2016.

Rajan Katoch, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises flagged off the pilot project in the presence of Chetan Maini, CEO of Mahindra Reva. The pilot project launched by Mahindra is the first project to be launched under the NEMMP of the Government of India. Mahindra Reva which is a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group will be developing vehicles under this project. The Mahindra Maxximo Electric Van is the first vehicle of its kind to be developed in India. The electric vans will be used to ferry visitors from Shilpgram to the East Gate of the Taj Mahal. Mahindra is also providing charging stations, technical assistance, spare parts and additional service support for this project.

Present at the ceremony was Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. who said that the Taj Mahal was recognised by the UNESCO as a world heritage site and that the people at Mahindra were proud to be playing their part in its preservation. He also expressed his gratitude towards the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their support during the project.         

Katoch stated that this was the first step towards the Government’s long term vision of NEMMP 2020. M&M Ltd. has been supporting and jointly working with the Government in its effort to make the country a cleaner and greener place. The Government of India has envisioned the construction of 100 smart cities in the country which will have better connectivity, facilities and a better environment.