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 US$ 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.
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. Each of
Amazon’s three-wheelers can carry a maximum payload of up to 550 kg.
It features an 8 kW motor and a lithium-ion battery, with a range quoted at 125
km.
