Mahindra handed over four battery powered Maxximo mini van VX electric vans to Agra Development Authority for use along green Taj Zero Emission Corridor to help offset general vehicular emission. Flagged off by Rajan Katoch, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva was in attendance alongside government dignitaries.
Mahindra’s pilot project is the first under central government’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). Developed by Mahindra Reva, Maxximo Electric Van is the first such vehicle made in India. Maximmo Electric Vans will now be used to ferry tourists from Shilpgram to Taj Mahal East Gate. In time, they could be used to transport tourists to Mehtab Bagh Taj Mahal night viewing. Mahindra supports Maxximo Electric Van project with charging stations, technical assistance, spare parts and additional service requirements.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra takes pride in partnering with Agra Development Authority to launch the first EV pilot project under NEMMP. Taj Mahal is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and Mahindra is delighted at playing a role towards its preservation. He thanked Government of Uttar Pradesh for their support for the project, which would foster the use of EVs within in India.
Rajan Katoch, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India is delighted to take the first step towards the long term vision of NEMMP 2020, and congratulated Mahindra for its support, and working with the Government for a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Mahindra is the first OEM in India to successfully roll out an electric vehicle pilot for public mobility in Agra. The government considers building 100 smart cities with better facilities, connectivity and a better environment. Going forward, it will develop smart transportation and mobility solutions for public and private transportation, including last mile connectivity.
Agra is among the most visited cities in India, and a perfect choice towards becoming a pollution free smart city through sustainable mobility that promotes environmental consciousness around heritage sites. Earlier in the week it was decided to ban burning of cow dung fires near Taj Mahal as its effects are yellowing Taj mahal’s white marble. American researchers have found brown and black carbon particles produced by burning of cow dung cakes sticking on Taj Mahal’s surface, and they c are not easy to remove immediately.
NEMMP, laid out in January 2013 outlines electrification of road transport sector in India, aimed at electric vehicle sales growth to 6-7 million a year by 2020. Direct subsidies for purchase of both four and two-wheeled electric vehicles are being planned.
Maxximo Electric Van, an 8-seater zero-emission mini-van powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries has a drive range of 100 kilometers on a single charge. The fully-automatic EV can reach electronically limited top-speed of 65 kmph. Expected to be production ready by FY-2016, Maxximo Electric Van could suffice could gain stronghold as a preferred option for first and last mile connectivity for Metro rail and BRTS systems, school vans, corporate employee commuting solutions and campus commute.
