Mumbai-based electric vehicle (EV) start-up PMV Electric has rolled out its micro car, the EaS-E, a four-door car for the masses, but whether it will go the Tata Nano way is to be seen.
This car is almost a quadricycle with a quirky look. It has circular headlamps, a LED light bar along the full width of the car and sleek LED lamps.
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| The PMV EaS-E electric vehicle will hit the road in mid 2023 -- Photo: PMV. |
One can pre-book the car with an advance of Rs 2,000 from the PMV website. The automaker claimed that it has already received about 6,000 pre-orders for the PMV EaS-E.
By mid-2023, PMV hopes that the EaS-E will hit the road from its Pune factory. A three-year or 50,000 km warranty is offered with the vehicle.
The EaS-E’s features
The EaS-E can operate in the ‘E Feet-Free Mode’ and this is a unique feature. Its steering-mounted controls can switch between speeds of up to 20 km per hour so that the driver’s feet do not leave the brakes and accelerator pedals.
In comparison, regular EVs and automatic cars have a creep function to move when the traffic comes to a crawl.
Unlike micro electric cars that have a two-door, two-seat configuration, the PMV EaS-E comes with two seats but four doors. Uniquely also, the steering wheel is placed in the middle of the centre console.
Remote parking assist
The parking-assistance feature at such an economic price point is a USP of the PMV EaS-E. At such a price, it is the only car to offer this facility.
The remote parking assist in the EaS-E is operated via the EV’s app on a smartphone.
It can park, or move the vehicle out of crowded areas by moving forward or backward in a straight line. This is a feature found in premium cars and is a big plus for the PMV EaS-E.
Remote for locking
PMV may be offering an EV that is an entry-level car, but the automaker has bundled it with a litany of technologies.
The PMV EaS-E comes with remote features or telematics for the doors, windows as well as the AC. There is even a feature to turn the headlights on and off.
Some familiar parts
The EaS-E comes with numerous design elements, which make it look similar to some vehicles made by other car makers.
For instance, the EV’s steering wheel and steering-mounted controls are somewhat like those on the third-generation Honda City and Jazz.
Also, the flap-style AC vents and the housings for the outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) may be a replica of Maruti’s cars such as the Wagon R and Swift.
EaS-E’s specifications
The EaS-E’s battery capacity info hasn’t come out as yet by PMV but the buzz is that it will be a 48V lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
The onboard charger is capable of charging the EaS-E with a 15A outlet in less than four hours. The EV can travel up to 160 km (100 miles) on a single charge.
Pricing
PMV EaS-E electric vehicle is India’s smallest car and can accommodate two people only. It is priced reasonably, starting at Rs 4.79 lakh (Rs 479,000).
E-Vroooom’s views
Price-wise, it is a smart move by PMV but the micro look could deter Indian EV buyers like it did with the Nano. The EaS-E would be India’s cheapest EV and priced even lower than the Tata Tiago EV.
On the other hand, if PMV can market the almost-zero operational cost of the EV to its customers, it could woo them. This needs a big marketing push and PMV must be ready with it.
PMV EaS-E is for reaching the office and coming back, for picking up groceries and dropping or picking up children from school.
So, this would be a perfect car for those working from home. This could be conveyed to customers, who are eyeing this car.
Conclusion
PMV’s EaS-E comes with some premium features, and at this price, and considering its low operational cost, it actually may not go the Tata Nano way and may find many takers.
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