Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) is poised to replicate its success in the e3W segment with its latest offering, the ZEO; the name ‘ZEO’, stands for Zero Emission Option. Built on ‘Jeeto Strong’ platform and powered by a high-voltage 300+ V architecture, the ZEO is designed to deliver enhanced energy efficiency, extended range, and quicker charging times, setting a new benchmark for the electric light commercial vehicle (E-LCV) market.
Despite E-LCV representing just 1% of the total LCV market in less than two tonne category since FY22, Suman Mishra, Managing Director and CEO of MLMML, views this as both a challenge and an opportunity. She is determined to propel this number by two folds, driven by the inherent economic value that electrification offers to customers.
The reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), especially in high-usage vehicles like E-LCVs, makes the shift to electric mobility an attractive proposition from day one. According to Mishra, this is the same driving force behind the rapid electrification of three-wheelers. Despite the lack of subsidies in this segment, the demand for e-SCVs remains robust, particularly from sectors such as e-commerce and other captive segments, as they increasingly seek sustainable solutions. Furthermore, as charging infrastructure expands, she believes that the penetration of electrification in this category will accelerate rapidly.
Suman Mishra's vision is strongly supported by Sourabh Mishra, Vice President & Head of Sales, CC & Marketing at MLMML, who shared insights into the company's rich history of innovation. Since 2017, MLMML has steadily expanded its electric vehicle portfolio, beginning with the launch of the E-Alfa and subsequently introducing models such as the Treo Auto, Yaari, Treo Zor, Zor Grand, and Jeeto Strong. These vehicles have received widespread acclaim from customers, culminating in 1.8 lakh EVs currently traversing Indian roads. This significant milestone reflects the company's focus on maintaining a deep connection with its market and customers, ensuring its vehicles continue to meet evolving demands.
This success in the e3W segment has led the company to explore the potential in the SCV category, he argued. Despite being at a nascent stage, the SCV market already consumes around 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles per month. It envisions this segment following the same growth trajectory as the e3W market. With the potential for electrification, the SCV sector could become an addressable market of 45,000 to 50,000 units, even if the overall segment doesn't expand rapidly, Sourabh Mishra observed.
Industry estimates suggest that the e-SCV market will grow significantly, reaching an estimated 46,000 units per month by 2030. Customer sentiment reveals that while many are aware of the long-term benefits of electrification, there are concerns, similar to those expressed by three-wheeler customers when electric vehicles were first introduced.
MLMML believes that by leveraging the lessons learned in the three-wheeler space, the company can not only address these concerns but also accelerate electrification in the SCV category, identifying opportunities and challenges along the way.
Talking from the technology standpoint, Vijay Ganti, Sr GM & Head – Product Planning & Platform Strategy, MLMML, said, the 300+V architecture coupled with 30 kW motor delivering 114 Nm torque, have been chosen to deliver improved performance and handling high speeds while ensuring operational efficiency. The vehicle can manoeuvre gradient up to 32% against 20% to 26% by diesel counterpart.
The ZEO comes in two battery variants: 18.4 kWh and 21.3 kWh, both designed to suit various customer needs. It delivers a real-world range of 160 km on a full load, which was proved by testing the vehicles rigorously for more than 500,000 km in diverse terrains and climates - from the icy conditions of Leh to the scorching heat of Rajasthan and the winding roads of the Kolimalai hills, in Tamil Nadu.
Besides, the vehicle is designed to recapture over 20% of energy during city driving, thanks to regenerative braking and downhill driving, effectively enhancing overall range. For commercial vehicle operators, TCO is crucial, and ZEO, with a payload capacity of around 765 kg and a volumetric load capacity of 200 cubic feet, make it ideal for most business needs, Ganti noted.
TCO-Led Savings
The ZEO is available in two versatile configurations: the Fixed Side Deck (FSD) and the Delivery Van. For the Fixed Side Deck model, the V1 variant is priced at INR 7.52 lakh (ex-showroom), while the V2 variant is offered at INR 7.69 lakh. The Delivery Van is available at INR 7.82 lakh for the V1 and INR 7.99 lakh for the V2, making both options competitively priced to cater to various commercial needs.
ZEO’s TCO performance translates into significant savings, with customers potentially saving up to INR 7 lakh over diesel and INR 4 lakh over CNG models in the long term, based on conservative running estimates. This reflects the vehicle’s USP in economic performance, he noted.
Technologically, ZEO stands out with advanced safety and convenience features. Its high-voltage battery is IP67 rated for weatherproof protection, ensuring safe operation in diverse climates. The vehicle's active liquid cooling system for the battery guarantees consistent performance even up to 50°C. Furthermore, the vehicle is integrated with the company’s next-gen NEMO platform, allowing fleet managers to monitor vehicle performance, trip data, and operational efficiency through a real-time dashboard. Drivers can also access insights into their performance besides finding nearest charging stations, with more than 10,000 available across India.
Mahindra also introduced Driver Monitoring System (DMS) for the E-SCV, which can continuously assess driver alertness and seatbelt usage. This system aims to enhance safety by rewarding responsible driving behaviour, further promoting operational efficiency across fleets.
The vehicle is compatible with swift charging capability via CCS2 DC fast chargers, which enables the drivers to get over 100 km of additional range, by charging for an hour, making it ideal for extended routes and two-shift operations.
The combination of innovation, efficiency, and advanced technology positions the Mahindra ZEO as a game-changer in the commercial EV sector, paving the way for faster adaptation of electrification in the sub-two tonne LCV landscape.
Also Read:
Mahindra Veero To Fulfill Customers’ Un-stated Needs Too: Pratap Bose