World EV Day 2023: Anand Mahindra Remembers Pioneering EV 'Bijlee'

On the occasion of World EV Day, the automotive industry and enthusiasts are taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of electric vehicles (EVs) over the years. For Mahindra Group, this day holds a special significance as it recalls the early foray into EVs with the introduction of the three-wheeler "Bijlee" in 1999. This pioneering effort by S.V. Nagarkar, a stalwart at Mahindra, left an indelible mark on the company's commitment to sustainable mobility.

Nagarkar's vision and dedication to environmental sustainability were evident when he unveiled the Bijlee, which was intended as a gift to the planet before his retirement. At a time when EVs were still a novelty, his ambition to do something for the environment was laudable, setting the stage for Mahindra's future endeavours in the EV sector.

Unfortunately, despite its innovative design and forward-thinking approach, the Bijlee faced challenges that kept it ahead of its time. Production of the three-wheeler was discontinued after a few years, leaving many to wonder why it didn't achieve the success it deserved. The primary reasons were the limited charging infrastructure and the relatively low awareness and demand for electric vehicles during that period.

Despite the initial setback with Bijlee, Mahindra remains undeterred in its commitment to green mobility and sustainability. The dream that Nagarkar had for a cleaner and greener planet continues to serve as a source of inspiration for the company. Over the years, Mahindra has made significant strides in the EV market, with a portfolio of electric vehicles catering to various segments, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Bijlee was also a last-mile connectivity product. Arguably, it was India’s first commercial and roadworthy electric vehicle made at the M&M plant in Coimbatore. It was a nine-seater three-wheeler and was initially deployed at Delhi’s Connaught Place (Rajeev Chowk) as a park-and-ride service, so commuters could leave their personal vehicles at a public parking lot and take a ride on a Bijlee to their destinations in the nearby areas. Until recently, a few Bijlees operated at Vaishno Devi to ferry pilgrims.

However, Anand Mahindra, CEO of M&M at the time, was convinced that EVs were the future. The Bijlee project was delivered in a hurry, and the team had taken exactly six months to produce the vehicle. There were key learnings that followed. The initial purchase cost had to make sense, as did the battery replacement cost. Also needed were better mileage per charge and a battery swap facility.