Mahindra and Tata Motors were proposed to supply 150 and 350 units of the Verito electric cars and the Tigor respectively in the 1st stock to the Union govt followed by 9,500 electric vehicles supply to EESL which is a public sector company under Ministry of power.
Although, recently as the reports suggest the government has denied accepting the electric cars from the carmakers. The reason behind the officials are not accepting the electric cars is that of low mileage and poor performance which are not matching with as mentioned in the tender.
The govt officials said that the Mahindra Verito and Tata Tigor even not reach 80-82 km with a fully charged battery in city limits. Further, they mention the battery pack being very small of 17 kW only. The electric cars in the global market touch a range of 27-35 kW. The stats on the car mentions 17 kW battery and 100-120 kms range in single full charge.
As the specifications are not apparent, the EESL has to eliminate the 2nd order which issued in April 2018 of delivering 10,000 electric cars. As the information about range, a battery is not apparent, the government will not release the order. The 1st order remains as of ordering 10,000 electric Tigor units from Tata Motors.
It is also informed that when the specifications will clear, more players will come in light to bid the order. The government anticipates luxury international brands to bid 2nd order which consists 10,000 electric cars.
The charging infrastructure is not well established in India and this can be the reason for the govt’s complaints. As there are no fast charging points in India, it is not easy to get the batteries charged fully.
Although, Mahindra is thinking to build such electric vehicles which comply appropriately with the strict regulations and specification by the government. Tata Motors has finished the 250 cars from the first order and execution of 2nd phase also begun. The Indian government anticipates proceeding further with e-mobility plan to obtain 100% e-mobility considering the year 2030.