The new version of REVAi, titled as the Mahindra Reva E2O is to be officially launched on 18th March 2013 in the Indian auto market. The name E2O stands for Energy to Oxygen and it would be the first major release after Mahindra acquired Reva. It is the first time that the previous generation model of Reva has undergone significant design changes in order to make it suitable as a 4-seater model, though it is still a two-door vehicle. The overall design of this model has also been altered as the Reva E2O is sporting a modern look now. Interestingly, Mahindra Reva E2O is powered by a 48-Volt Lithium ion battery and can run for 100 km on single complete charge. Time taken for a full charge is about 5 hours, while an option of quick charging is also provided in the new model. It must be noted that its charging process can be done through any point that provides 15 amperes of current.
On the new launch, industry experts are of a view that several new technologies have been incorporated to make the E2O a viable product for customers. The key USP of the model is Sun2Car feature, which allows it to get charged with solar energy while the model has been parked. Regenerative braking system uses the energy that is usually released upon braking. Another technology known as Revive has also been installed within the new model. There is also an automatic gearbox which has three different drive modes. One of the modes is Boost, which provides a superior driving experience, but at the cost of faster battery consumption. Top speed that can be achieved by this vehicle is 80 kmph.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) wished to launch this vehicle a few weeks after Union Budget 2013, with hopes of getting subsidy benefits for the electric car. However, this plan did not materialise but the company still went ahead with the E2O's launch. It was also expected that the vehicle's price would be 15-20 per cent higher than premium hatchbacks Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20, but it was not possible due to the abovementioned reason. From the manufacturing point of view, this car would be assembled at M&M's new factory in Bangalore where 30,000 units can be produced in a year.
One of the high selling points for the Mahindra E2O would be zero emissions. In an age where fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel emissions are known to impact the environment greatly and have become dearer, the E2O would be hugely significant, not just in terms of zero emission but also low running cost. Complete charging would only consume a total of 10 electricity units, as per company information. In addition, overseas markets have become highly receptive to electric vehicles now and M&M hopes to tap the same and therefore, by the end of 2013, Mahindra expects to start exporting the car. Recently, a new event has been launched on Facebook to create awareness about the E2O, titled as the Ask Movement. After registering through Facebook account, a series of questions would be asked that would be directly related to the subject. Based on answers provided, users would have a chance to win the new Mahindra Reva E2O.
