Mahindra Electric Reva E2O T2

The Mahindra Electric Reva e2o T2 is an electric hatchback designed primarily for urban use. It features a 48-volt battery pack and a 3-phase electric motor producing 26PS of peak power and 54Nm of peak torque. The car has an automatic transmission with two driving modes and can go from 0-50kmph in about 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 81 kph. The interior is well-appointed with leather seats, although the rear seats are less comfortable due to limited cushioning and an upright stance. The cars ride quality is firm, which can be uncomfortable on rough roads, but it handles well in city traffic. The braking performance is confident, though the brakes can feel spongy. The e2o T2 also comes with features like a Solar powered charge point option and a Quick2Charge system, making it a practical choice for those with short to medium distance commuting needs.

The Mahindra Electric Reva e2o T2 is a unique offering in the Indian electric vehicle market, but it comes with its set of pros and cons. On the positive side, it feels like a normal everyday car, comfortably seating four adults, and its electric motor provides a sprightly performance, especially in urban settings. The car handles well in city traffic, thanks to its MacPherson strut suspension and coil springs, although it may not be the best on rough roads. However, the lack of active balancing systems in the Battery Management System (BMS) and the discontinuation of some of the advanced monitoring features post-Revas acquisition by Mahindra are significant drawbacks. The high price point and limited range of about 120 kilometers on a full charge also make it less appealing for long-distance travel. Despite these issues, the e2o T2 remains a viable option as a second or third car for short urban commutes, especially with the long-term savings on fuel costs.

The Mahindra e2o NXT, a refreshed version of the e2o, was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018, featuring updated design elements like bull-horn LED headlights and funkier alloy wheels. The interior includes a larger, tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system. I think these updates make the e2o NXT look more premium and user-friendly.

Mahindra discontinued the two-door e2o in India in November 2016, replacing it with the four-door e2o Plus. However, the company announced that the e2o would continue to be sold in the export market. This move was part of their strategy to focus on more practical models.

Mahindra launched the e2o in the UK in April 2016, with prices starting at around Rs. 12.25 lakh for the base trim. The UK version had better specs than its Indian counterpart, including a higher top speed and longer range. I believe this international launch was a significant step for Mahindras electric vehicle ambitions.

Mahindra Reva introduced an innovative ownership scheme called Goodbye Fuel, Hello Electric for the e2o, which split the acquisition cost into an initial payment and an e2o care protection plan. This plan included 24/7 assistance and a courtesy car during battery repair. This scheme was aimed at making electric car ownership more accessible.

The e2o was expected to benefit from government incentives, particularly in Delhi, where a 29% subsidy was offered for electric car purchases. This subsidy was a key factor in making the e2o more attractive to potential buyers.

The Mahindra Electric Reva e2o T2 was priced at a premium of around Rs 5.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the fully loaded version. When considering the on-road price, additional costs such as registration, insurance, and any applicable subsidies need to be factored in. For instance, during its launch, the car benefited from a Rs 1 lakh discount from Mahindra and another Rs 1 lakh subsidy under the FAME scheme, along with exemptions from road tax. However, these prices and incentives may vary depending on the state and any changes in government policies. The overall cost, while initially high, can be offset by long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, making it a consideration for those looking to reduce their urban commuting expenses.

The Mahindra Electric Reva e2o T2 offers a range of about 120 kilometers on a full charge, which is adequate for urban commutes but limited for long-distance travel. The charging time is around 5 hours using a 15-ampere socket, and there is also a Quick2Charge feature that can charge the car in just one hour. This range makes it suitable for daily city use, but users need to be mindful of the charging infrastructure and plan their trips accordingly.