The Mahindra Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Bhutan for a strategic partnership to promote the usage of electric vehicles in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Group’s EV arm, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles announced the launch of its all-electric, zero-emission Mahindra e2o car in Thimphu, the capital city today. The e2o’s launch in Bhutan is part of the Mahindra Group’s larger commitment to partner with Bhutan in its vision to create a sustainable, clean and green society.
This move comes a week after Nissan Motor Co made a similar strategic move to sell the Leaf EV and grow an EV eco-system in the Himalayan kingdom.
The prime minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay and Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director & president, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra and chairman, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles, were present during the MoU signing and at the launch.
The MoU inks a strategic partnership between the Mahindra Group and Bhutan to introduce EVs and the requisite charging infrastructure for the country. While the introduction of the e2o is the first step in this direction, Bhutan will provide the required charging infrastructure support for the successful deployment of the e2o and for the other EVs from the Mahindra stable to be launched in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pawan Goenka said, “The association between Bhutan and India goes back a long way. It is a matter of pride for an Indian company like ours to be associated with Bhutan in such an important initiative to co-create and nurture a sustainable ecosystem. With the Mahindra e2o, we are taking the lead in not only creating a comprehensive ecosystem to nurture sustainable mobility solutions, but also partnering Bhutan to redefine the future of urban mobility.”
Dr Goenka added, “Given increasing fuel prices and the carbon footprint, we need ample awareness around the benefits of EVs and the initiative taken by the government of Bhutan is a bold and path-breaking statement that is highly commendable.”
Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles, said, “The Mahindra e2o is a near-perfect amalgam of the dramatic advancements in automotive technology, electronics and IT. The vehicle offers innovative features such as the Hill Hold control and advanced regenerative braking which will be very useful while driving in the hilly terrain of Bhutan. We are certain that the cutting-edge technological innovation that has gone into the e2o will help our customers in Bhutan remain connected in a convenient, cool and cost-effective manner.”
The Mahindra Group says it will work in collaboration with Bhutan to create a sustainable ecosystem for electric mobility. It will initially map out the kingdom’s EV and charging infrastructure requirement, work towards introducing affordable EVs for public and private commuting, develop regular and fast-charging infrastructure, and establish a local service and maintenance network through a local partner company.
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
