Mahindra unveils `clean, green, low-cost’ concept electric car

Mahindra and Mahindra has unveiled its concept electric car `NXR' - a low-cost mobility solution - placing itself at the center of a big shift towards renewable energy use amidst rising cost of depleting conventional energy.

''We want to change the way people commute. And we want to do it in a way that is responsible, that is clean, that does not tax the planet and that makes the experience of commuting guilt-free and a very joyous one,'' Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra, said unveiling the concept car at the Delhi Auto Expo.

He said the company was working on an integrated ecosystem to provide that kind of a transport solution.

''Just imagine travelling from Connaught Place to Delhi international airport for an energy cost of Rs10 and doing so in air-conditioned, climate controlled comfort in your own car without emitting a single molecule of harmful gases,'' Dr Pawan Goenka, president – automotive sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, said while unveiling the concept electric car – NXR – from Mahindra Reva.

''That is how we believe we could shape the future of mobility. To enable this, we are already working on integrating a comprehensive eco-system of sustainable mobility solutions, encompassing alternative technologies such as electric, hybrid and fuel cells into our research, development and commercialisation plans,'' he added.

Goenka said the feasibility of electric vehicles' commercial success depended on some kind of subsidy because the cost of battery, controller and motor was still high. Till the volumes increased, manufacturers would continue to need government subsidy.