The 2013-14 fiscal will be marked as the year of electric mobility in the history books of Mahindra as the Indian car maker is gearing up to launch as many as three electric vehicles, after having launched the e2o.
Mahindra has announced that the Verito EV will hit the market within this financial year but stopped short of giving a specific time frame. The Verito EV looks set to become the first pure electric sedan in India.
Mr. Chetan Maini, chief technology office at Mahindra-REVA, had spoken on this development to Indian Auto Blog a few weeks ago.
If you remember, Mahindra has showcased the Verito Electric concept at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Propelled by Reva's electric powertrain, the Verito Electric's AC motor produces 29 KW (38.8 bhp). The battery pack takes 6 hours for a full charge while a quick charge can be done in about 75 minutes. The claimed range is 100 km.
See spyshots of the Mahindra Maxximo Minivan EV
The sedan has a top speed of 86 kmph, strictly making it a city commuter. The smooth and noiseless power delivery, low maintenance and running costs and zero emission are the selling points.
See spyshots of the Mahindra Gio Compact Cab
Mahindra also claims that pure electric versions of the Maxximo and Gio are "almost" ready to hit the market. With the steeply priced e20 having a tough time convincing the prospective customers, the fate of the three upcoming EV's from Mahindra largely depends on the quantum of subsidy from the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 which was announced in January but is yet to be implemented.
[Left - Mahindra Maxximo Minivan EV spotted in Bengaluru by Vishnuvardan; Right - A working prototype of Gio Compact Cab EV snapped during testing]
Would you consider an electric vehicle if it is made reasonably affordable with subsidy?
Mahindra Verito EV Image Slideshow
[can't see the image slideshow above? Head over to Flickr]
