Mahindra Reva plans more electric cars

Following the enthusiastic response that Mahindra e2o has gained all over the nation, Mahindra Reva is going to launch a few more electric cars in the next couple of years.

After Mahindra introduced the 5 Cs Framework last August, it has been keen on bringing to market cars that would redefine the 'future of mobility' in India. Mahindra e2o was the first attempt in this regard.

The vehicle has so far shown tremendous potential, not merely in terms of its technological richness, but also in regard to the popularity it has already gained. Ever since this model had been launched, it has been the talk of town pan-India.

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Inspired by the response the e2o model has generated, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles is now more confident and hopeful about the future of electric cars in India.

R Chandramouli, Chief of Operations of Mahindra Reva said: "Over the next two-three years, we are planning to have at least four to five new launches."

From his words, it seemed that the Mahindra family thought the sale of the Mahindra e2o model has been impressive, but not overwhelming.

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"However, he is hopeful about the increase of sales when new electric cars are launched. "Sales of the e2o will be significantly higher, in multiples", he added.

Considering the technology, infotainment and safety features and cost-efficiency that characterise Mahindra e2o, expectations on the would-be-launched models have skyrocketed, ever since it has been announced that, at least, four to five new models are going to break the cover in next couple of years.

Let's now explore the various aspects of this electric vehicle, and see what to expect from the new models that are going to hit the Indian roads.

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Price is one of the most important factors almost all aspiring car buyers consider while planning which car they should buy. So, let's start with the money matter. The on-road prices that Mahindra determined for the e2o variants were pretty competitive.

Considering your expenditure of 40-50paise/km to drive the car, and the meagre post-buy maintenance charges you may have to bear, prices are pretty justified, as many buyers think.

However, since it appeared from Chandramouli's words that Mahindra is looking to reach overwhelming sale figures, it may be assumed that prices for future models are going to be considerably competitive.

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Mahindra has introduced cars at a much cheaper price earlier too. They have always been known for their unique models coming at prices best fitted for the Indian customers. The existing e2o model is powered by a 48-volt, 19kW electric motor with an automatic transmission system, and is capable of a peak 25.4bhp at 3750rpm along with a torque of 53Nm.

It is an amazing thing that the ion batteries used in these cars can be charged through any 220V 15amp plug point. However, there is one aspect in regard to which there are scopes for improvement. Once fully charged, the existing e2o model can cover 100 kilometers, which does not seem enough.

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The energy as well as the power devices can be improvised, so that it can store more power to ensure that they run longer. In that case they will be able to retain the customers who bounce back just because of this factor.

One more area that has scope for improvement is the top speed of 81kmph, which is perfect for drives on city roads only. Mahindra is losing many potential customers who could have chosen to buy this car but may have reservations due to the speed limit factor. The top-speed limit can be extended, widening their chances of being chosen by the customers.

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Mahindra, being one of the leading automobile manufacturers in India should not have ignored this fact. So, it can be expected that the new electric cars that Mahindra is going to launch in next few years will have devices to store more power to run even longer at a single charge, and be capable of a higher top-speeds.

So far as the look of the Mahindra e2o model is concerned, there are many areas that need improvement. Reviews by multiple experts on various automobile portals make this factor very clear.

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In fact, many reviewers have described the appearance of the car to be unimpressive. It is, perhaps, because of the not-so-attractive looks that its sale figures have not been overwhelming, despite its extraordinary cost-efficiency.

It looks neither sleek, nor aggressive. May be, in the new models, the car windows, front windshield and the roof will come in a different and more effective synchronised structure. There is every possibility that the new models to be launched in next two to three years will have compelling looks, making more aspiring car buyers opt for them.

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The colour variations of Mahindra e2o provide customers with a wide range to choose from - arctic silver, coral blue, eco green, oceanic white, spanish red and sunfire yellow.

However, the company may come up with more colour variations or shades to provide potential buyers with more options. Mahindra really has to make their next electric vehicles appear more impressive to match the quality, cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness that their cars feature.