Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet

The Indian Army has started using electric vehicles for its intra-city transportation requirements. The Indian Army has currently employed 10 Mahindra eVerito EVs in New Delhi for the transportation of its officers within the city.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

More electric vehicles will be added to the Army's fleet as it seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. The Indian Army is the second largest among the top armies in the world with over 11 lakh active troops and more than 9.5 lakh reserve troops.

With such a large force, transportation is of utmost importance. For ground transportation, the Indian Army uses a variety of vehicles including trucks like the BEML Tatra, Ashok Leyland Stallion, Tata LPTA 713, Tata LPTA 2038, Swaraj Mazda T3500, etc.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

SUVs used by the Indian Army include the Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra MM550, Tata Safari Storme, Force Gurkha and Mitsubishi Pajero. The Force Gurkha and Mitsubishi Pajero are present only in small numbers. The Mahindra MM550 on the other hand are seen in large numbers at forward positions, close to the borders where its ruggedness and off-road ability is required.

When it comes to workhorses though, nothing comes close to the Maruti Gypsy. For ages now, the Maruti Gypsy has been the mainstay ground transportation vehicle of the Indian Army. The Indian Army operates over 31,000 units of the Maruti Gypsy.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

It is used in forward bases close to the action at the borders with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is used for armed troop movements in areas of conflict and at the same time, it is also used for the transportation of its officers located in major metros.

In May 2017, the Indian Army ordered 3,193 units of the Tata Safari Storme as a replacement for the Gypsy. It was assumed that these new SUVs would serve as the transportation for officers within the city. But the Army seems to have other plans.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

The Indian Army has brought in 10 Mahinda eVerito electric vehicles. This marks a number of firsts for the Indian Army. It is the first time an electric vehicle is being employed in one of the armed forces, and it is the first time that the Indian Army is officially providing a sedan to its officers.

The Indian Army is going the electric way in a bid to cut down on its carbon footprint. There is no better place to start than in New Delhi, where pollution levels are extremely high. Only 10 cars have been taken in currently as it is just a pilot project.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

The Army will bring in more electric cars soon after. The Mahindra eVerito EVs in the Army are part of the EESL (Energy Efficiency Solutions Ltd) fleet. EESL is a joint venture between Central Public Sector Undertakings and has a huge fleet of electric cars used by various departments of the government including the Prime Minister's Office.

EESL has a fleet comprising Mahindra eVerito and Tata Tigor EV. The timeline for the Army to add more EVs to its fleet is unclear at the moment. Electric vehicles really are the future of mobility.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

The government is pushing heavily for the growth of the EV industry in India. Recently, the government reduced GST on EVs from 12 percent to 5 percent, further helping boost the sales of EVs.

A few state governments also have started using EVs for their intra-city runs. Now the Indian Army is adding more value to the eco-friendly electric vehicle cause by using the Mahindra eVeritos. The Indian Army has in the past taken up many eco-friendly initiatives. The inclusion of EVs is one of them.

Mahindra eVerito Added To Indian Army’s Official Fleet: Indian Army Goes Electric

Thoughts On Mahindra eVerito Being Added To The Official Fleet Of The Indian Army

Petrol and diesel-powered vehicles will never be replaced completely in the Indian Army due to the nature of the terrain it is usually operated in. However, EVs might be employed for intra-city transport. There are several new electric vehicles to be launched in India, the Indian Army might just acquire them for their officers to use.

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Read more on: #mahindra #green vehicles
Article Published On: Monday, August 5, 2019, 12:42 [IST]
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