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.