Mahindra Reva plans to roll out its ‘NXR electric car’ by September-end. It showcased the concept of this car at the auto expo.
“We will be launching the car by next month-end and hopefully it will be on the roads by Diwali,” said Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group.
He declined to reveal the price of the vehicle.
The company formally opened its electric car manufacturing unit in Bangalore on Wednesday. The unit has a capacity to produce 30,000 vehicles a year. The company plans to start with an initial production of 6,000. It expects to touch full capacity in three years.
“This electric car is certainly an important instrument for Mahindra’s global business. We are looking at certain markets in Europe like the Scandinavian countries. These countries have already set a target for increasing the share of such vehicles in the automobile space,” said Mahindra.
“To popularise electric car in the country, the Union Government should take the lead in bringing down the duties on parts imported. Already few State Governments have reduced VAT and are offering subsidies,” he added.
The company is looking for proper infrastructure, like charging points, to encourage sale and use of electric car, he said. With the electric car close to commercialisation, the company is planning its next venture — an electric scooter.
“Currently, we have not formally thought but it. We will be applying our mind soon,” said Mahindra.
Chetan Maini, Founder and Chief of Technology and Strategy, Mahindra Reva, said “We are working with the Union Government on how to incentivise electric cars”
On the ‘NXR electric car’, Maini said the cost per km is much lower at 50 to 60 paise and this was up to 10 times lower compared with the petrol cars.