Real Life EV Story
Farah & Raphae Halim
Owners - Mahindra e2o
City - Mumbai
Owners - Mahindra e2o
City - Mumbai
Drive More! Earn More! Part 1
By Farah Halim
Oh! what an amazing Sunday it has been so far! After having done all that we 'needed' to, we felt like we deserved a long drive on a Sunday sunny morning when the roads are not too crowded, to go to a place which we haven't discovered completely..
So the destination - Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus from the Eastern Free Way which takes us around Mumbai.
We started off from a place close to our home at 50% DTE (distance to Empty)... Beautiful roads, very less traffic and an interesting companion who is also the navigator between the two of us. Mumbai is vast and there is always something more to see and do. :)
Driving has never been so much fun. Saw the un-ventured Mazgaon Docks, the mills and the central side of Mumbai. Never before reached Victoria Terminus station in less than 40 mins. This is a much better road to travel to South Mumbai. The air is much cleaner too. There is so much to discover about Mumbai and also about the E2O.
By Farah Halim
Oh! what an amazing Sunday it has been so far! After having done all that we 'needed' to, we felt like we deserved a long drive on a Sunday sunny morning when the roads are not too crowded, to go to a place which we haven't discovered completely..
So the destination - Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus from the Eastern Free Way which takes us around Mumbai.
We started off from a place close to our home at 50% DTE (distance to Empty)... Beautiful roads, very less traffic and an interesting companion who is also the navigator between the two of us. Mumbai is vast and there is always something more to see and do. :)
Driving has never been so much fun. Saw the un-ventured Mazgaon Docks, the mills and the central side of Mumbai. Never before reached Victoria Terminus station in less than 40 mins. This is a much better road to travel to South Mumbai. The air is much cleaner too. There is so much to discover about Mumbai and also about the E2O.
To V.T via the freeway :)
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At a signal away from home.
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Started with 50 % DTE
The total distance travelled was 48kms. (to and fro)
Reached home with 18% DTE
Regenerated - 16 kms worth of battery life
AMAZING!
The car started showing signs of low battery, the navigation system had red lights blinking, the dashboard gear changed to "E" - Empty and I could no longer go into boost mode. We were well prepared so there was no range anxiety.
Ideally we would have kind of dragged the car home with 2% battery left or used 'Revive' but regenerative breaking had some surprises to offer. The car doesn't cease to amaze us. Its gives us a high.
The next trip to the same place will surely be to discover the monorail. These facilities have made these places more reachable and exciting than before.
The total distance travelled was 48kms. (to and fro)
Reached home with 18% DTE
Regenerated - 16 kms worth of battery life
AMAZING!
The car started showing signs of low battery, the navigation system had red lights blinking, the dashboard gear changed to "E" - Empty and I could no longer go into boost mode. We were well prepared so there was no range anxiety.
Ideally we would have kind of dragged the car home with 2% battery left or used 'Revive' but regenerative breaking had some surprises to offer. The car doesn't cease to amaze us. Its gives us a high.
The next trip to the same place will surely be to discover the monorail. These facilities have made these places more reachable and exciting than before.
Drive More! Earn More! Part 2
By Farah Halim
Thanks to Mahindra for shifting their Sakinaka location to Chunabhatti, we saw a different part of Mumbai and had a great, fun filled experience.
We went to Chunabhatti, then to Lohar Chawl and back.
Travelled by car to the service station, then by Rickshaw and train to Masjid Bandar.
Returned by train and double decker bus. It was the two of us and to and fro costed us - 94Rs.
Rickshaw - 28 INR
Masjid Bandar 2 tickets - 22 INR (11/person)
Return Train tickets to Kurla - 20 INR
Double Decker tickets - 24 INR (12/person)
One interesting discovery was that if we had travelled the same distance in our E2O it would have been even more cost effective and less time consuming.
We would have made it back with at least 40% charge remaining.
Total Distance to the exact location 48 Kms + Air conditioning and traffic + roaming around the by-lanes = 6o units battery consumed. ;)
Mahindra Reva E2O gives us 0.50 paise per unit which means 50 INR per 100 units of charge. So it would have costed us 30 Rs for the 60 units for both of us... Even if we went all the way and consumed all of the charged units we would still be at an advantage.. Currently and for the next 2 yrs, its all free for us anyway, since Mahindra pays us back.
Translating that score.. we can travel anywhere in Mumbai around 100 km range for 50 Rs... thats mind-blowing!
So far we have gone 4200+ kms and saved around 23000 INR yearly cost of petrol if we were to drive a petrol vehicle giving us average 14 km /Ltr @ 75INR / Ltr... It just gets better each day!
By Farah Halim
Thanks to Mahindra for shifting their Sakinaka location to Chunabhatti, we saw a different part of Mumbai and had a great, fun filled experience.
We went to Chunabhatti, then to Lohar Chawl and back.
Travelled by car to the service station, then by Rickshaw and train to Masjid Bandar.
Returned by train and double decker bus. It was the two of us and to and fro costed us - 94Rs.
Rickshaw - 28 INR
Masjid Bandar 2 tickets - 22 INR (11/person)
Return Train tickets to Kurla - 20 INR
Double Decker tickets - 24 INR (12/person)
One interesting discovery was that if we had travelled the same distance in our E2O it would have been even more cost effective and less time consuming.
We would have made it back with at least 40% charge remaining.
Total Distance to the exact location 48 Kms + Air conditioning and traffic + roaming around the by-lanes = 6o units battery consumed. ;)
Mahindra Reva E2O gives us 0.50 paise per unit which means 50 INR per 100 units of charge. So it would have costed us 30 Rs for the 60 units for both of us... Even if we went all the way and consumed all of the charged units we would still be at an advantage.. Currently and for the next 2 yrs, its all free for us anyway, since Mahindra pays us back.
Translating that score.. we can travel anywhere in Mumbai around 100 km range for 50 Rs... thats mind-blowing!
So far we have gone 4200+ kms and saved around 23000 INR yearly cost of petrol if we were to drive a petrol vehicle giving us average 14 km /Ltr @ 75INR / Ltr... It just gets better each day!
Raphae with T2PO !
Small Important Features
By Farah Halim
Exactly a year after we owned the E2O, we got a call from Mahindra wanting to talk about how our e2o has become just like us... It was a pleasure going down the memory lanes and talking about how the car has integrated into our lifestyle so well..
I realised that there are many subtle features that the car has, those that we use on a daily basis but don't register them as equally important but Mahindra has put in that effort to make the car as Child-Safe as possible.
And i'm sure there are many more features that we haven't discovered yet. :)
Watch this space!
By Farah Halim
Exactly a year after we owned the E2O, we got a call from Mahindra wanting to talk about how our e2o has become just like us... It was a pleasure going down the memory lanes and talking about how the car has integrated into our lifestyle so well..
I realised that there are many subtle features that the car has, those that we use on a daily basis but don't register them as equally important but Mahindra has put in that effort to make the car as Child-Safe as possible.
- To start with - when the car is plugged in, it completely shuts down and it will not move or start, that way one will never be able to make a careless mistake and move ahead with the car without unplugging.
- On startup - we need to authenticate with the key, that way no one can just press the button and accelerate. Moreover, its also mandatory to put the gear in Neutral - N and only then there can be any movement from acceleration upon change of gear. Its again a cool Child-Safe feature.
- DVD / CD feature can only be used if the car is not in motion. It doesn't work in Forward / Boost or Reverse gear mode.
Yeah! You can watch a DVD movie in your car, which Indian car has that facility? - It has ELR (Emergency locking retractors) belts for the front seat riders which locks it self on impact or sudden braking.
- The rear view mirror has a locking mechanism which locks the mirror in place. The set position does not keep moving as a result of cleaning or sorts..
And i'm sure there are many more features that we haven't discovered yet. :)
Watch this space!
Celebrations!
By Farah Halim
Its the anniversary month for both, us and the car... Life has been very rewarding.
Its been a year at driving the most fascinating car and we are very happy to say the least. We have met great enthusiastic people as a result of owning this car...
Cheers to all!
Shared experiences, gave interviews and look forward to more.
Join us in our celebration!!!
Here is our stats for December.
By Farah Halim
Its the anniversary month for both, us and the car... Life has been very rewarding.
Its been a year at driving the most fascinating car and we are very happy to say the least. We have met great enthusiastic people as a result of owning this car...
Cheers to all!
Shared experiences, gave interviews and look forward to more.
Join us in our celebration!!!
Here is our stats for December.
Still Going Strong
By Farah Halim
2300 Kms, 7 Months and still going strong.
Heavy rains in Mumbai have not been a cause of concern as the E2O has big wheels and is high enough to pass through deep water clogs. No leaks, no electrical disruptions. It all works just fine. Its a good sturdy car.
Felt a little push at times going over the Bandra - Worli Sea Link bridge where the winds are very strong. You can feel moving off the lane if you don’t hold the steering strong enough. Reminded me of the super hero movies specially Avengers where cars just fly off the bridge. LOL! Didn't feel dangerous though.
The other day, we were just admiring our car parked next to the Nano. We wanted a small car to go around the city and Nano was one cost effective option as the city car. After driving and owning the E2O, there has been no looking back.
By Farah Halim
2300 Kms, 7 Months and still going strong.
Heavy rains in Mumbai have not been a cause of concern as the E2O has big wheels and is high enough to pass through deep water clogs. No leaks, no electrical disruptions. It all works just fine. Its a good sturdy car.
Felt a little push at times going over the Bandra - Worli Sea Link bridge where the winds are very strong. You can feel moving off the lane if you don’t hold the steering strong enough. Reminded me of the super hero movies specially Avengers where cars just fly off the bridge. LOL! Didn't feel dangerous though.
The other day, we were just admiring our car parked next to the Nano. We wanted a small car to go around the city and Nano was one cost effective option as the city car. After driving and owning the E2O, there has been no looking back.
We park our e2o near a Nano
e2o - Completed 1100 kms
By Farah Halim
Very happy to have travelled and grown with our car e2o which is now a 1100kms old.
Raphae and I have started travelling more, going for night rides more because its a pleasure to drive the car. No traffic jam is any longer worth a road rage. We got stuck in a traffic jam the other day at 11pm but we were in bliss. No fuel consumption worries, no idling costs.
We look forward to the Fast Charge Stations by Mahindra at various important junctions, then we will be able to travel longer distances.
By Farah Halim
Very happy to have travelled and grown with our car e2o which is now a 1100kms old.
Raphae and I have started travelling more, going for night rides more because its a pleasure to drive the car. No traffic jam is any longer worth a road rage. We got stuck in a traffic jam the other day at 11pm but we were in bliss. No fuel consumption worries, no idling costs.
We look forward to the Fast Charge Stations by Mahindra at various important junctions, then we will be able to travel longer distances.
Vacation Mode - Phone App for e2o
By Farah Halim
Another amazing feature with the Mahindra e2o is its 'Smart phone application'. The e2o app works great on our iPhones. It gives all information that an e2o owner would need about the car.. Shows distance the car can travel at a certain charge, Charge points, temperature levels, Switch on / Schedule the airconditioning, Revive battery charge in case of complete discharge and much more…
By Farah Halim
Another amazing feature with the Mahindra e2o is its 'Smart phone application'. The e2o app works great on our iPhones. It gives all information that an e2o owner would need about the car.. Shows distance the car can travel at a certain charge, Charge points, temperature levels, Switch on / Schedule the airconditioning, Revive battery charge in case of complete discharge and much more…
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What is most amazing is the provision to set the car on 'Vacation Mode'... It kind of lives the lifestyle you live... So, if you are on a vacation then why shouldn't the car enjoy the same status ;) haahhaha!
On our trip to Vadodara we had plugged in the car and kept it on 'vacation mode' using the phone app. Amazingly! it took care of our battery charging while we were away on another destination. It brings down the charge to 20-30% and hibernates till it gets the command to charge back… We even extended our vacation and it worked. So on the day of our arrival to Mumbai, it charged back to 100% and was ready for us to drive around.
What effortless control and ability to interact with the car… It amazes us each day and can't wait to explore more.
On our trip to Vadodara we had plugged in the car and kept it on 'vacation mode' using the phone app. Amazingly! it took care of our battery charging while we were away on another destination. It brings down the charge to 20-30% and hibernates till it gets the command to charge back… We even extended our vacation and it worked. So on the day of our arrival to Mumbai, it charged back to 100% and was ready for us to drive around.
What effortless control and ability to interact with the car… It amazes us each day and can't wait to explore more.
Eco Points
By Farah Halim
"The secret to living healthy is consistency" they say. Driving in the fast lane all the time is not only unhealthy for us but also for the car.
Gone are the days when I want to slam the accelerator and race with another vehicle coz by driving sensibly I am not only saving my battery life in the longer run but also earns me eco points. Each time when we drive with an efficiency of 90 WH/KM or less, we earn an eco point. Mahindra says, as we accumulate eco points we should stay tuned for some surprises from them coz its their way of affirming that nice drivers win always.. ;) Check out the website screen capture below.
We have earned eco points by travelling both short distances and long. So it takes an average of the entire days ride. Speed range has been upto 70 kms as well, so it doesn't mean we have to drive slow. It just takes a little extra effort to know the e2o better. E20 owners can check the tips and tricks on their personal logins.
By Farah Halim
"The secret to living healthy is consistency" they say. Driving in the fast lane all the time is not only unhealthy for us but also for the car.
Gone are the days when I want to slam the accelerator and race with another vehicle coz by driving sensibly I am not only saving my battery life in the longer run but also earns me eco points. Each time when we drive with an efficiency of 90 WH/KM or less, we earn an eco point. Mahindra says, as we accumulate eco points we should stay tuned for some surprises from them coz its their way of affirming that nice drivers win always.. ;) Check out the website screen capture below.
We have earned eco points by travelling both short distances and long. So it takes an average of the entire days ride. Speed range has been upto 70 kms as well, so it doesn't mean we have to drive slow. It just takes a little extra effort to know the e2o better. E20 owners can check the tips and tricks on their personal logins.
Mumbai is the perfect place to drive this vehicle thanks to the amazing flyovers. So when we go downhill it regenerates.. The traffic jams are no longer a terror coz each time I brake it goes to "regen". hahahaha! We have at times travelled 32kms and consumed only 26% of battery as a result of this amazing feature of regeneration of power. Its amazing how this car has changed our perspective about travelling on Mumbai roads.
I look up to this e2o user - Mr Kamlesh Mallick from Pune. His e2o -"Eva" is 6 months old and has travelled more than 5000 kms.. It helps to know one who experiments like we do. He has earned a remarkable 79 points from his drive so far. An eco-friendly, consistent driver...
Mahindra Reva e2o meets the Cops
By Farah Halim
Buying an e2o is an experience in itself and the beginning of enriching experiences to come..
Its been a pleasure so far to drive the 100 kms… and have received varied compliments from friends, colleagues and people around.
Just near our neighborhood one day, was stepping out of the car when a passerby asked - "nayi gadi che?" (is it your new car?),
"Saari che, Ketla ma leedhi?" (its nice! how much did you buy it for?)
I smiled and said around 7.
To which he raised his eyebrow, doing his calculations in his mind.. the very next question was the expected one -
"Mileage ketlo aape che" (how much mileage does it give?)
Now my turn to surprise him. It runs on battery, I said.. He didn't know what to ask next as his calculations went for a toss.. Just passed by expressing that I bought a very expensive car. Saw him mumbling as he kept walking ahead.
Few days later at Andheri Check Post - The cops held out their hand to stop the car and I had to oblige not knowing which law I had broken.. (just had the insurance cover and rough registration papers then).. Skeptical about the cops not understanding that the car doesn't need a PUC, I was preparing for all the explanations I would have to give them and in someway have to pay the fine for whatever reason…
To my surprise they were interested in the car I was driving.. Having not seen one ever before on road… The usual questions; what the car was about and no gear, no fuel, no exhaust pipe, no PUC made the conversation interesting.. never had so much fun being interrogated…
For the first time in my life, I talked to the cops without having broken a law and without being fined.. LOL!
Then the e2o visited the fuel station… of course! not for refueling.. Gone are those days!! :) We went there to fill nitrogen in our tubeless tyres… the 15 minutes there were hilarious.. visitors and onlookers gathered.. Interesting to find so many people feel for the car.. Their tit-bits - whether registration of an EV vehicle is required or not, about the pick up of the car, space and interiors, its body and the color (its not a paint)..
I do think there is a big market for EVs… Just need to project it right.
By Farah Halim
Buying an e2o is an experience in itself and the beginning of enriching experiences to come..
Its been a pleasure so far to drive the 100 kms… and have received varied compliments from friends, colleagues and people around.
Just near our neighborhood one day, was stepping out of the car when a passerby asked - "nayi gadi che?" (is it your new car?),
"Saari che, Ketla ma leedhi?" (its nice! how much did you buy it for?)
I smiled and said around 7.
To which he raised his eyebrow, doing his calculations in his mind.. the very next question was the expected one -
"Mileage ketlo aape che" (how much mileage does it give?)
Now my turn to surprise him. It runs on battery, I said.. He didn't know what to ask next as his calculations went for a toss.. Just passed by expressing that I bought a very expensive car. Saw him mumbling as he kept walking ahead.
Few days later at Andheri Check Post - The cops held out their hand to stop the car and I had to oblige not knowing which law I had broken.. (just had the insurance cover and rough registration papers then).. Skeptical about the cops not understanding that the car doesn't need a PUC, I was preparing for all the explanations I would have to give them and in someway have to pay the fine for whatever reason…
To my surprise they were interested in the car I was driving.. Having not seen one ever before on road… The usual questions; what the car was about and no gear, no fuel, no exhaust pipe, no PUC made the conversation interesting.. never had so much fun being interrogated…
For the first time in my life, I talked to the cops without having broken a law and without being fined.. LOL!
Then the e2o visited the fuel station… of course! not for refueling.. Gone are those days!! :) We went there to fill nitrogen in our tubeless tyres… the 15 minutes there were hilarious.. visitors and onlookers gathered.. Interesting to find so many people feel for the car.. Their tit-bits - whether registration of an EV vehicle is required or not, about the pick up of the car, space and interiors, its body and the color (its not a paint)..
I do think there is a big market for EVs… Just need to project it right.
Our new Car - The Mahindra Reva e2o
By Farah Halim
We finally decided to buy the electric vehicle as another step to our goal of Clean, Green and Responsible Lifestyle. Mahindra Reva E2O is also a clever and convenient vehicle. ;) You will soon know how and why.
On 12th Dec we got the possession of this exciting new creation and design by Mahindra Reva.. With a warm welcome and celebrations we were handed the keys by the manager of NBS International, Mahindra's Andheri showroom, Mumbai… Some memories…
Raphae chose the color and had kept it a surprise for all of us.. The anticipation to unveil the car was high. It took me sometime to let the feeling sink in.. What an amazing feeling that was :)
By Farah Halim
We finally decided to buy the electric vehicle as another step to our goal of Clean, Green and Responsible Lifestyle. Mahindra Reva E2O is also a clever and convenient vehicle. ;) You will soon know how and why.
On 12th Dec we got the possession of this exciting new creation and design by Mahindra Reva.. With a warm welcome and celebrations we were handed the keys by the manager of NBS International, Mahindra's Andheri showroom, Mumbai… Some memories…
Raphae chose the color and had kept it a surprise for all of us.. The anticipation to unveil the car was high. It took me sometime to let the feeling sink in.. What an amazing feeling that was :)
Keys were handed to us.. one for Raphae and the other one for me ;)
The staff at NBS joined us in our celebrations… Mr Anand Vaishya, Mr Adil and e2o manager Mr Subrodo went out of their way to help us solve our questions, doubts. Their support has been remarkable all the way.
Raphae drove the car back home. Our entire family had been awaiting the arrival of e2o and they heartily came forward with us for joy rides which lasted till 12 in the night..
Oh! What a memorable day!
The staff at NBS joined us in our celebrations… Mr Anand Vaishya, Mr Adil and e2o manager Mr Subrodo went out of their way to help us solve our questions, doubts. Their support has been remarkable all the way.
Raphae drove the car back home. Our entire family had been awaiting the arrival of e2o and they heartily came forward with us for joy rides which lasted till 12 in the night..
Oh! What a memorable day!
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Do you use an electric car or an e-bike and would like to share your experience for the benefit of others?
If yes, please contact us and we will be happy to include your story. Do send us some pics!