Treo erickshaw from Mahindra Electric
Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd, a Group entity of Mahindra & Mahindra, has launched an erickshaw with the name of Treo. The company has also commissioned a new facility to build the Treo at Bangalore. Inline with the government’s thrust on clean, connected and convenient vehicles, especially in the area of public transport, the Treo is available in two versions, Tero and Treo Yaari. Priced at Rs.1.36 lakhs and Rs.2.22 lakhs respectively (ex-showroom, and inclusive of the FAME subsidy), the three-wheeler is powered by a 2kW motor. Claimed to offer a low running cost of 50 paise per km, with the potential to save up to 20 per cent more than an LPG-powered auto rickshaw, the Treo is equipped with a 7.37 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Offering a range of 170 km per charge (typical driving range could be 130 kms), the battery takes three hours and 50 minutes to charge. The top speed of the erickshaw is 45 kmph. Backed by a 50,000 km or 24-month warranty, the vehicle features three driving modes low, medium, and high.
The first Li-ion three-wheeler developed in India, according to Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, the Treo is expected to revolutionise the last mile transport segment where the most widely used mode of transportation currently is a petrol or CNG powered auto-rickshaw. Made at a facility that was built with an investment of Rs.100 crores, the erickshaw would be branded under the umbrella of ME technologies. As part of a strategy to localise content, the company will manufacture battery packs, power electronics and motor assembly as an integral part of the electric powertrain. Using global standards of manufacturing processes, the plant will roll out 25,000 units per annum. Creating additional direct employment of around 200 people and some more through the allied services in Karnataka, the Treo, according to Goenka, will propel affordable EV technology. Expressed Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric, that they are keen to drive a monumental change in the way India moves by enabling more EV products on the road through ME technology solutions. Stressing upon the capability to manufacture battery packs, motors, power electronics, etc., Babu averred, “The Treo marks India’s first Lithium ion three-wheeler platform, and is poised to transform the way urban India travels.”
Available in soft and hard-top version, the Treo employs light weighting technologies and composite body panels. Capable of seating four people, it is claimed to present best in class comfort, courtesy a spacious interior. With clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free drive, the erickshaw will be available at select dealerships across Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the first phase. In the second phase, it will be made available in other cities.