Mahindra e2o NXT T20

e2o T20 Review

Mahindra and Mahindra is an established home grown auto major, which is selling its only electric vehicle Reva e2o in two variants, among them Mahindra e2o T20 is the entry level variant. It is powered by a three phase induction motor that has the ability to belt out 25.4bhp of maximum power and delivers a peak torque output of 53.9Nm. The lithium ion batteries used in the vehicle are of the latest generation. The battery life on a full charge is about 100 Kilometers and it can be charged through a 15 Amp plug point, which allows it to be charged at any place that can provide the specific charging point. Additionally, there are charging stations designed especially for the EVs. Along with a dedicated performance it delivers as a car, it provides driving comfort to the occupants with its features like AC unit with remote operation, a dedicated e2o smart phone App, which makes it more convenient to the tech savvy customers. These include an electric power assisted steering, infotainment system, reverse parking camera and driver information system. In addition to these, it also has classy interiors, which makes it more contemporary. This model lineup hosts a series of advanced features like a regenerative braking system, which is a feature that cuts down maintenance by putting back energy, while driving. It is also integrated with an advanced intelligent iEMS system featuring 10 on-board computers, which monitors every part to ensure smooth functionality. The company is selling this small car with a standard warranty of 3-years or 36000 Kilometers along with a battery warranty of three years or 60000 Kilometers (whichever is earlier for both instances).

Exteriors:

This small car has a trendy body structure, which is fitted with a number of contemporary cosmetics and makes it look attractive. Reminiscent of the basic design of cars, it maintains a rich contemporary outlook in its design, thanks to the team's extensive research. The front facade is designed with a honeycomb radiator grille with black mesh. It is flanked by a traditional headlight cluster featuring powerful halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper is integrated with a large air intake section. There is also a provision for placing a pair of fog lamps. The bonnet extends from the front grille along the headlamps to the end of its windshield. Its windscreen is pretty large for giving a better view to ahead. It is accompanied by a couple of intermittent wipers as well. The sleek side profile is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. The name ‘Reva' is scripted on its side portion, below the rear view mirrors that gives it an urbane appeal. The neatly crafted wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 13-inch steel wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 155/70 R13. Its rear fascia features a bumper with a pair of parking lights along with a tail lamp. The rear windshield is big enough to give the driver a proper view of the environment around them. The detailing even on the boot door has a prominent company's badge, adding up to its already futuristic appeal. The rear number plate is positioned in the mid zone of the rear bumper giving it a groovy look.

Interiors:

The interiors are quite spacious and can host seating for four passengers with ease. Since it is a two door vehicle, its front seats need to be bent down in order to gain access to the rear seats. It has a well designed dashboard that is equipped with AC vents, an advanced instrument panel with quite a few functions, a storage box and a three spoke steering wheel, which is neatly decorated with a chrome plated company's insignia. The digital driver information system has an attractive display system, which provides information regarding drive mode, odometer, messages display and speed display for keeping the driver updated. Not only this, the company has also given it a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, front seat back pockets and so on. The ergonomically designed seats are well cushioned and offer excellent thigh and back support to the passengers. All seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints that add to the comfort level.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it is equipped with a 3-phase induction motor that is accompanied by a 48V maintenance free lithium ion battery. This mill can develop a maximum power of 25.4bhp at 3750rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 53.9Nm between just 0 to 3400rpm. This engine is mated with a fully automatic transmission system that helps in delivering a decent performance. It can be charged through a 220 V, 15 A socket anywhere, which is a big plus point. On a full charge, this vehicle can deliver a mileage of 100 kilometers. An hour of charging can take this small car to 20 Kilometers, which seems pretty decent. On the whole, this vehicle takes 4 hours for a full charge. It can accelerate towards 60 Kmph speed mark in approximately 12 seconds from a scratch, which is quite remarkable for an electric car.

Braking and Handling:

Being an electric vehicle, it comes with a proficient braking mechanism that a delivers reliable performance on the roads. Its front axle is coupled with a McPherson strut, which is further loaded with gas filled shock absorbers and anti roll bars. While the rear axle is assembled with a trailing link type of suspension system that has coil springs, pan hard rod and gas filled shock absorbers, which provides a smooth driving experience. Its front wheels are paired with a set of 215mm disc brakes, while the rear ones have conventional set of 180mm drum brakes, which works fine in all weather conditions. The cabin is incorporated with a manual steering, which supports a minimum turning radius of 3.9 meters.

Comfort Features:

For giving a pleasurable driving experience, the company has bestowed this vehicle with a lot of sophisticated features. It is incorporated with a proficient air conditioning system featuring a remote control. It also has an advanced GPS navigation system, which is equipped with a 6.2 inch touchscreen color display that also provides controls for audio unit. In addition to these, the cabin is blessed with a remote lock/unlocking function, which can be operated using a e2o smart phone App from anywhere. Using this application, you can also schedule AC for daily routine and can start or stop it remotely. Furthermore, it has features like reverse parking assist including a camera, which minimizes the efforts required while parking.

Safety Features:

This electric vehicle features a welded tubular structure chassis that helps it absorb the impact caused in case of a collision. The body panel includes impact protection beams and crumple zones, which minimizes the damage and thereby it protects the occupants inside the cabin. It is incorporated with quite a few protective aspects including three point ELR seatbelts, adjustable head restraints, gear shift and charge interlocks, dual horns, powerful headlamps, tubeless radial tyres and many other such aspects. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer that safeguards the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized access.

Pros:

1. Cost of ownership and maintenance is rather economical.
2. A mileage of 100 Kms on a full charge is big plus point.

Cons:

1. Time interval of 4-5 hours can be reduced.
2. Only two doors make it difficult for ingress and egress.