Mahindra’s small commercial vehicles that can be better put to utility in the cramping urban space have caught eyes of carmaker in the recent past. Due to their important roles of hovering around the most visited areas, where one of the world’s seven wonders Taj Mahal is a good example, receives the examples of Maxximo Electric Vans.
Taj Mahal known for its pristine white structure was turning yellowish because of rising pollution level in the nearby vicinity. In order for a reduction in that, Government of India’s ambitious National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) was launched, under which the four battery-powered van of Mahindra was handed to the Agra Development Authority.
Maxximo EV will be used on the Taj Zero Emission Corridor for ferrying tourists. By delivering the van, this India based automaker had also promised to provide spare parts, infrastructure support. Tourists can board it from Shilpgram to East Gate of Taj Mahal. In future, the authorities could also expand the service for transporting tourists to Mehtab Bagh to view that charisma of love under the blistering light of moon, said a source.
Maxximo Electric is based on the same outgoing models’ platform but is powered by lithium-ion batteries. On a single charge it can cover 100 kilometers and can clock max speed of 65kmph.
Central Government’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) is launched with an aim of electrification of the entire road network in India. Such an initiative by Mahindra is the first example of the said project.
As per the plan, there could be growth of sales of EVs with 6-7million units a year. And subsidies will be shelled to those buyers catered for buying both two-and four-wheeled.
Commenting about this milestone, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director at Mahindra & Mahindra said, the automaker is proud to associate with Agra Development Authority. It accepted their proposals and launched the first EV pilot project under NEMMP. Taj Mahal is one of the important World Heritage sites tagged by UNESCO. Playing the efforts to retain its charms had endowed a sense of pride and responsibility to Mahindra. The organization is also thankful to Government of Uttar Pradesh for lending their support to this project. This had boosted the morale of Mahindra working towards EVs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rajan Katoch, Secretary for Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises said, it was very delighting to take a first step towards the NEMMP 2020. He even congratulated Mahindra & Mahindra for working with the government to fulfill its prolonged endeavour of reaching the title of EV friendly country. Government had aimed to build 100 smart cities under such project before the due date, and they are promised to be equipped with better facilities, connectivity and a healthier environment.
An official had confirmed Maxximo Electric Van will be production ready by 2016.
