Earlier this month, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, announced that the company is making its electric vehicle technology patents free in the spirit of open source management and for the advancement of electric vehicle technology.
The world class entrepreneur stated that Tesla Motors would not press patent lawsuits against anyone who uses its technologies in good faith. Tesla's move to make its patent easily accessible to other electric vehicle makers worldwide has been applauded by Mr. Chetan Maini, CEO of Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles.
Talking to PTI, Mr. Maini said, "We will review them (patents) and it's too early to comment on the direct benefit to us."
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director and President, Mahindra & Mahindra (automotive & farm equipment sector) said that applicability of Tesla's patented technologies to Mahindra Reva's future EV products would be determined after the review.
Tesla Motors currently sells Model S electric sedan which is positioned as a premium zero emission vehicle. A fully electric SUV called the Model X is in the works and so is an affordable compact car to serve as an entry-level offering. A media report said that Tesla was planning an Indian foray next year.
Mahindra Reva is currently developing an array of products such as the Halo electric sportscar that was showcased at the Auto Expo, Verito EV and the Maxximo Minivan EV. Access to Tesla's technologies would enrich the Indian EV maker's technical know-how and the benefits could be seen in the future products.
