Three of India’s biggest automakers have come together to develop electric vehicle technology. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra will combine their research and development efforts in areas like motor and transmission. “It will take at least one-and-a-half years before we see something,” Mahindra Reva Chief Executive Arvind Mathew said. “The software and integration part will remain exclusive to the three companies while motor and transmission knowhow will be shared.” 

The alliance entails an investment of Rs 22-25 crore, and the government will invest an equal amount under the ‘faster adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles’ (FAME) programme that was announced last year. Formation of the alliance will help the three companies keep pace with foreign automakers, some of which have already made substantial investments in this area. Ford plans to have 13 electric vehicles on the road by 2020. “Foreign companies need not participate in our local programme since they are already developing their own,” added Mathew.