Mahindra Group, a USD 16.7 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Bhutan for a strategic partnership to promote the usage of electric vehicles in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
On this occasion, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited, India’s electric vehicles pioneer and a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, announced the launch of its all-electric, zero-emission ‘Mahindra e2o’ in Thimphu, the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The launch of the Mahindra e2o in Bhutan is part of the Mahindra Group’s larger commitment to partner with the Government of Bhutan in its vision to create a sustainable, clean and green society.
The Mahindra e2o will be available in 3 variants and priced at 6.99 Ngultrum (ex-showroom Bhutan) for the base variant, 7.99 Ngultrum (ex-showroom Bhutan) for the premium variant and 8.39 Ngultrum (ex-showroom Bhutan) for the premium variant with Quick2Charge.
The Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay and Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director & President, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Chairman, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. were present during the MoU signing and at the launch.
The MoU inks a strategic partnership between the Mahindra Group and the Government of Bhutan to introduce electric vehicles and the requisite charging infrastructure for the country. The introduction of the Mahindra e2o, through the Mahindra Group’s subsidiary, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., is the first step in this direction. The Government of Bhutan will provide the required charging infrastructure support for the successful deployment of the Mahindra e2o and for the other electric vehicles from the Mahindra stable to be launched in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pawan Goenka, said, “The association between Bhutan and India is one which 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 further added, “Given the increasing fuel prices and carbon footprint, we need ample awareness around the benefits of electric vehicles and the initiative taken by the Government of Bhutan is a bold and path-breaking statement that is highly commendable. Little wonder then that the country’s social, economic, political and spiritual foundations are rooted in the idea of Gross National Happiness, the main thread for a country’s development.”
The Mahindra e2o is a manifestation of Mahindra’s vision of the Future of Mobility, expressed by the 5C’s framework – Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever and Cost Effective. It is expected to set the standards for clean and affordable road transportation in Bhutan as well as provide an impetus towards a clean and green future.
Speaking at the launch of the Mahindra e2o, Chetan Maini, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Mahindra e2o is a near perfect amalgam of the dramatic advancements in automotive technology, electronics and Information Technology. 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 terrains of Bhutan.. We are certain that the cutting-edge technological innovation that has gone into the Mahindra e2o will help our customers in Bhutan remain connected in a convenient, cool and cost-effective manner.”
Mahindra will work in collaboration with the Government of Bhutan, to create a sustainable ecosystem for electric mobility, through the following:
Initially map out the Kingdom’s Electric Vehicle and charging infrastructure requirement.
- Work towards introducing affordable Electric Vehicles in Bhutan for public and private commuting
- Work towards developing the regular and fast charging infrastructure
- Establishing through our partners’ local service and maintenance network to monitor and manage Electric Vehicles
