Mahindra Adds Electric Van For Indian Market

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has introduced its first electric van, the e-Supro, in cargo and passenger variants.

The vehicle, which measures 12.5 feet (3,800 mm) in length, is intended for in-city passenger transport and “last mile” delivery service in India. Mahindra says the operating cost of the 846,200-rupee ($12,700) e-Supro is about one-third that of its diesel-powered cousin.

The EV is powered by a 25-kW lithium-ion battery, single-speed gearbox and an electric motor that makes 66 lb-ft (90 Nm) of torque. Mahindra says the van can travel 112 km (70 miles) on a charge and reach a top speed of 60 kph (37 mph). The battery can be charged in less than nine hours using household current.

The van features a boost mode for extra torque on steep hills and a revive option that provides an additional 7 km (4 miles) of driving range when the battery is nearly depleted.

Last month the company rebranded its EV portfolio as Mahindra Electric. The lineup includes two all-electric cars: the e20 small hatch and eVerito small sedan. The e-Supro will qualify for subsidies and incentives under India’s FAME (fast adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles) program.