Mahindra Electric signs MoU with Three Wheels United
Bengaluru, November 19, 2018: Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd, part of the USD 20.7 billion Mahindra Group, the pioneers of electric mobility in India and Three Wheels United (TWU), a social enterprise providing affordable financing for auto rickshaw drivers and integrating them with public transportation, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU was signed during the Auto Day 2018 celebrations on November 17, 2018 in the presence of several senior officials and dignitaries. The event is an annual property organised by the TWU and brings together almost 5,000 auto drivers. This year, the representation included Bangalore, Chitradurga and Pondicherry.
Under this MoU, Mahindra Electric and TWU will work together to accelerate the adoption of electric three wheelers in India. This will include the identification and financing facility for auto drivers, so that 2,000 Mahindra Treos are rolled out across the country, by next year, as a result of this association. The MoU also highlights the use of Mahindra’s NEMO (Next Generation Mobility Solution) as the preferred mobility solution platform to be used by the TWU.
On the occasion, Mahesh Babu, CEO Mahindra Electric said, “As the pioneers of electric mobility, we are happy to join hands with Three Wheels United to help accelerate the adoption of the Mahindra Treo. Built on India’s first Lithium-ion battery, three-wheeler platform, we are confident that the Treo will transform the way urban India travels. Associations with partners like these will make it easier for drivers to adopt electric mobility, and for our cities to be more environment friendly.”
Cedrick Tandong, CEO, Three Wheels United added, “Three Wheels United is excited to begin this journey with Mahindra Electric into the future of mobility. We have always put the drivers first and we look forward to continuing this while shifting drivers to the less polluting, money saving, more comfortable TREO auto rickshaws. We will provide these drivers affordable loans and will use technology to optimize earnings for drivers, while promoting sustainable transport. We intend to do this not only in Bangalore but across India, deploying 12,000 electric vehicles over the next three years.”
The Treo range of electric three wheelers uses Mahindra Electric’s home grown powertrain and maintenance-free Lithium ion battery. The variants include Treo electric auto and Treo Yaari electric rickshaw, both available in the industry first hard top weather proof variants. With the use of exceptional light weighting technologies and composite body panels, the Treo boasts a certified* range of 170 km (eAuto), directly addressing range anxiety in the market.
Treo is the first range of vehicles to offer connected vehicle features as an optional value addition to the customer. It also offers best in class comfort for passengers with one of the most spacious interiors in the segment and for the driver through its clutch-less, noiseless and vibration free drive, thereby reducing overall fatigue during the journey.