Mahindra’s all-electric car e2o (pronounced ‘ee-too-oh’),
launched yesterday, could be an ideal vehicle for customers. Running cost of
this car is just Rs 0.50/km, much lower than petrol (Rs 4.5), diesel (Rs 2.7)
and CNG (Rs 2.12).
It runs around 100 kms at a charge. Li-Ion batteries act as
its power plant. It can be charged from a simple 15A power socket also used for
laptops. Electric car e2o is low on maintenance, compared to internal combustion
engines is quiet and does not pollute environment. It is gearless, which means
easy driving in heavy traffic. An overnight charge will power car enough for a
mild city commute. Advantages of this car fall short of several consumer buying
parameters. Consumers cannot enjoy a short weekend getaway in this electric car
as it does not support long drives given its limited range. Its top speed is
just 80 km an hour.
Mahindra e20 car price is on higher side. At Rs 5.96 lakh
(on-road, Delhi), e2o is expensive than Maruti Swift (Rs 4.48 lakh,
ex-showroom, Delhi) and twice as expensive as Maruti Alto 800 (Rs 2.99 lakh,
ex-showroom, Delhi). With steep pricing, experts have raised questions whether
premium on car is justified, as investment recovery period is bound to be much
longer. Cost of battery is single-most expensive component in an electric car,
as much as third its cost.
Imported Li-Ion battery, not yet locally made, could set you
back by Rs 150,000 in case of replacement. Mahindra e20 has just two doors and
access to back seat is through front collapsible seats. Unlike United States
and Europe, buyers of electric cars get government subsidy (from $1,000-11,000)
or China (Yuan 60,000 or $10,000), India does not have such beneficial offers.
Mahindra & Mahindra was expecting government would
provide a rebate of Rs 150,000 to every buyer, including 20% rebate on
ex-factory price or Rs 100,000. However, subsidy ended last year and government
has not renewed it. Lack of government intervention in promoting e-cars has put
off manufacturers. GM, for example, was actively working on an all-electric
version of Spark hatchback for India and foreign market but abruptly put the
plan on hold. Japanese auto giant Nissan, too, was planning to launch an
all-electric car in India called ‘Leaf’ but later pulled out, due to unfeasible
domestic market conditions. The Leaf, on sale in US and China, delivers as much
as 130 km, with a maximum speed of 150 km an hour.
