CHARGING AHEAD

The Chinese firm BYD has entered the passenger vehicle space with its e6 all-electric MPV. We find out what it’s like

- Rivan RS

In the very recent past, BYD ( Build Your Dreams, no less) has made a name for itself in the commercial vehicle space in India, with a bevy of electric buses and trucks. A lot of the electric buses that you see plying on roads all over the country — such as the all-electric BEST buses on Mumbai’s streets — are assembled by the brand, and then supplied to State Transport Units. The Chinese company has now moved into the passenger vehicle space with the launch of its new eMPV, the e6, though it’s not meant for private buyers as yet.

The BYD e6 is aimed at corporations and government bodies that are looking to decrease their respective carbon footprints, while providing a reliable and safe means of emission-free transport. The EV maker says that it is in talks with companies such as Google, IKEA, KPMG and Citibank to supply the e6 for their fleets. In fact, 10 e6 eMPVs have already been leased to the Telangana government, which bodes well for the firm. So, what is it that has attracted government organisations and corporations to the BYD e6? An approximately 60-km drive from Chennai to Mahabalipuram was arranged so that we could find out.