In a trend setting move, the Maharashtra government is reported to be planning to sign an MOU with with Mahindra Electric, a move that should hopefully benefit all electric vehicles hitting the roads in the coming period. For Mahindra Electric, this could be the second major move to set up charging points after their move to start
an initiative with Delhi’s discom
According to reports, the government will sign an MOU with Mahindra Electric to set up charging points at depots of the city’s transport operator, BEST, which is already operating six electric buses brought from Goldstone Infratech.
In the remarkably space starved city of Mumbai, the move to use the area at BEST depots is a welcome move in the precedent it helps establish for other major cities across India.
Additional Chief Secretary for the state, Mr Sunil Porwal said that charging points have already been allowed to be set u at parking lots, housing socienties , malls and cinema halls.
For Mahindra Electric, the MOU will be an opportunity to enable a more welcoming ecosystem for its plans in the sector. The firm already has a full portfolio of transport vehicles, from passenger vehicles, to buses and more for the electric segment.
It does remain to be seen as to what incentives the state government can add in to make the whole experience better, as Mumbai remains one of the most expensive cities when it comes to power costs. With the government committed to Niti Aayog’s prescription for an overhaul of the transportation sector by 2030, actions taken at cities like Delhi and Mumbai will obviously serve as templates for other states to follow.