Mahindra Launches Three-Wheeler

Mahindra Eco Mobiles Ltd. has launched a three-wheel battery-operated electric vehicle in Chennai, India.

A company press release said the transit van named ‘Bijlee’ is a zero-emission vehicle which follows the emission norms – smokeless, operates silently and is safe on slopes. It also is spacious and comfortable, has no clutch or gear, and is easy to drive.

The vehicle is powered by a separate motor of 5.8kW with a speed of 40km. The batteries used are 72V deep discharge lead acid flooded type. It can run continuously for 80km per charge on plain road.

The company claims that the fuel cost is effectively ikjless than a rupee compared to diesel/petrol vehicles. The operating cost is also less than the cost of petrol and diesel IC engine-driven vehicles.

The cost of the vehicle with one set of batteries and charger is Rs3.37lakh. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), New Delhi, has sanctioned a subsidy of Rs80,000 maximum per vehicle through Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA).

The first vehicle was handed over to Maharishi Vidya Mandir and Junior College by K. Allauddin, chairman and managing director of TEDA, to T. C. Perumal, secretary of the college.

K. Allauddin, CMD, TEDA, presenting the keys of ‘Bijlee’ to T C Perumal, secretary and S Namasivayam, treasurer of Maharishi Vidya Mandir and Junior College in Chennai.