Mahindra launches electric auto rickshaw in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Automobile company Mahindra & Mahindra's arm launched two variant of electric three-wheeler auto rickshaw here on Thursday.

Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd Chairman Pawan Goenka said, "The 3-wheeler range Treo and Treo Yaari are powered with lithium ion battery, which gives 170 km ride for a single charge."

The $21-billion Mahindra group has invested Rs 100-crore in setting up a technology plant in the city's southern outskirts, with an installed capacity of 25,000 units per annum to make the e-autos for Karnataka initially.

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The company, in a statement, said, "The e-auto is priced Rs 1.36 lakh, with subsidy from the Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric (FAME) vehicles scheme of the central government's 2015 National Electricity Mobility Mission plan, draw to encourages increasing use of electric vehicles."

In addition to the clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free e-autos, the hi-tech plant makes battery packs, power electronics and motor assembly for the electric powertrain.

The plant will initially employ 200 skilled people and hire more through allied services.

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Goenka stated, "The new hub aligns with our belief in an all-electric future, based on mobility vision of producing clean, connected and convenient vehicles."

The e-autos will be available at select dealerships across Bengaluru and Hyderabad and later in other cities in a phased manner.

It is to be mentioned that State Industries Minister K.J. George unveiled the electric mobility plant in Bommasandra industrial area. State Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande and Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge were also present on the occasion.