‘Maxximo Electric to make its presence felt in Agra…finally!

Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva, handing over the keys of the Electric Maxximo Vans to Pradeep Bhatnagar, Chairman, Agra Development Authority in the presence of Rajan Katoch, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Govt. of India.

This pilot project will help the government gauge how viable pure-electric public transport, especially for last-mile connectivity, will help reduce pollution. If it is a success, the Government could ask local authorities in other cities to adopt EVs. These vans could also popularise the use of EVs amongst the masses, which will lead to a cleaner future. The NNEMP aims to introduce more electric vehicles both in the public and private transport spheres, as much as 6-7 million EVs could be sold by 2020 if all goes according to plan.

Mahindra Reva has announced the launch of India’s first electric vehicle (EV) pilot project in the Taj Zero Emissions Corridor in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The project, carried out under the aegis of the Government of India under its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), will be used to measure how electric vehicles used as last-mile public transport can reduce emissions.

Specifications: Maxximo Electric Mini Van is an 8-seater MPV powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, they can run for 100 km on a single charge and can reach an electronically-limited top speed of 65 km/h. It is expected to be on sale by mid-2017. If priced within Rs 10,00,000 it would be one of the best family cars to own as operating it would be zero cost and one can take out the whole family. It would also be a boon for the private travel/taxi/tour operators as the running cost is zero. Brake-pad & Tyre change would be the only changed required. The battery would need replacement only after 5 to 8 yrs.

Mahindra Reva has provided the Agra Development Authority (ADA) with four Maxximo Electric vans, these will be used to transport people along the Taj Zero Emission Corridor. The company will also provide charging stations, technical assistance, spare parts and service support for the smooth operation of this project. At first these vans will transport tourists from Shilpgram to the east gate of the Taj Mahal, later they may also be used for the Taj night viewing programs held at Mehtab Bagh.

The EV pilot project was flagged off by Rajan Katoch, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, GoI in the presence of Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva, Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra and many government dignitaries. “We are proud to partner with the Agra Development Authority for the launch of the first EV pilot project under the NEMMP. The Taj Mahal has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and we at Mahindra are delighted to be playing our part towards its preservation. We are grateful to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their support during this project, which will go a long way in boosting the usage of EVs within our country,” said Pawan Goenka.