Mahindra launches electric three-wheeler, opens EV tech plant in Bengaluru

India saw its first-ever electric technology manufacturing hub being inaugurated today in Bengaluru by Mahindra Electric Mobility, which is part of the Mahindra Group. With the new EV hub, Mahindra is gearing up to realise its green motoring vision with new, futuristic EV products, concepts and solutions. The company also announced the launch its Treo electric three-wheeler range at the inauguration event

EV tech manufacturing facility

This first-of-its-kind, EV technology manufacturing facility, has been set up with a total investment of Rs 100 crore. Branded under the umbrella of Mahindra’s +ME technologies, the facility will manufacture battery packs, power electronics and motor assembly, which are integral part of an electric powertrain. “Mahindra Electric will become the first company to manufacture internal permanent magnet (IPM) motors for EVs in India, a reflection of our commitment to Make in India,” said Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, and chairman, Mahindra Electric Mobility, at the facility’s inauguration.

The plant uses global standards of manufacturing processes and will increase the manufacturing of Mahindra Electric to 25,000 units per annum. The facility will create additional direct employment of around 200 people and some more through the allied services, in the state of Karnataka. This is the first such project to be cleared by the Department of Industries & Commerce’s SLSWCC since the announcement of Karnataka State Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy in 2017.

Treo three-wheeler range launched

The company also today rolled out its first lithium-ion, electric three-wheelers, Treo and Treo Yaari, with pricing starting at Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), including FAME subsidy. The Treo was revealed at the MOVE India summit earlier this year.

The Treo range of electric three-wheelers uses Mahindra Electric’s homegrown powertrain and maintenance-free lithium-ion battery. The variants include Treo electric auto and Treo Yaari electric rickshaw, both available in the industry-first, hard-top, weather-proof variants.

With the use of lightweighting technologies and composite body panels, the Treo boasts of a certified range of 170km (eAuto), thereby addressing range anxiety issues in the market. It is also claimed to offers the best-in-class comfort for passengers, with one of the most spacious interiors in the segment, and for the driver through its clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free drive that reduces the overall fatigue of the journey.

The Treo range is built on an indigenous common platform developed with a view to serve market demands as they scale up. During the first phase of its launch, the vehicles will be available at select dealerships across Bengaluru and Hyderabad and later in other cities in a phased manner.