The Indian automaker Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd has announced (loosely) that it will be offering an electric version of its Verito sedan in 2014.
Technology from subsidiary Reva, which is focused on electric vehicles and was acquired by the company in acquired in 2010, will be used in the electric Verito.
Ravindra Shahane, Senior General Manager, Marketing, Automotive Division of Mahindra, noted that there are challenges in the EV market that have delayed the car’s launch, but assuming those (which are likely related to Indian politics and policy) are cleared up soon, he noted, “We hope to launch it next year.”
Mahindra Reva recently unveiled the e20 electric microcar in India. As I wrote in March, the e20 has a range of 60 miles on full charge, and it has a top speed of 60 miles per hour. Mahindra Reva’s aim is to sell about 30,000 electric cars by 2015–2016 — that’s the capacity of its Bengalaru factory. However, about half of those are aimed for export.
The policy issue of concern is likely that, while India has ongoing incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles, it recently cut incentives for EV consumers. However, it’s assumed those will return in some form.