Amazon’s commitment to an EV future isn’t just confined to the US, as it announced a partnership with Mahindra Electric to deploy 10,000 EV three-wheelers throughout India. The move is part of the firm’s pledge to operate 100,000 electric vehicles by the year 2030.
Mahindra Electric, part of the $19.4 billion Mahindra Group, claims to be India’s only globally accredited EV manufacturer. Formally Reva Electric Car Company (of G-Wiz notoriety), the electric arm of Mahindra currently has a limited range of basic electric vehicles on offer, with Amazon India opting for a cargo-spec version of the Treo Zor.
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Around 100 of Amazon’s Treos have already been deployed in a staggered roll-out that will see the full complement of 10,000 EV 3-Wheelers on the road over the next four years. The three-wheeler platform is ideally suited to the tight and congested streets of developing nations, which are primed to capitalize upon last-mile delivery options.
The three-wheeler design, which can trace its origins back to Japan and Italy, is a staple of many African, Asian, and some South African nations. The Mahindra Treo is one of many new designs entering the market that aims to capitalize on the growing adoption of EVs in India. As of 2018, 1.5 million three-wheelers plied the roads of India, with experts predicting that by 2024, 50% of all three-wheelers will be EVs.
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Each of Amazon’s three-wheelers can carry a maximum payload of up to 550 kg (1212 lb). It features an 8 kW motor and a lithium-ion battery, with a range quoted at 125 km (78 miles).
“The expansion of our Electric Vehicle fleet to 10,000 vehicles by 2025 is an integral milestone in our journey to become a sustainability leader in the industry,” said Akhil Saxena, VP, Customer Fulfilment Operations, Amazon. “We continue to work with several OEMs to build a fleet of ‘Made in India’ electric vehicles that ensure sustainable and safe deliveries of customer orders, and this partnership with Mahindra Electric is a testament of our commitment.”