Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will review some of Tesla Motors' electric vehicle patents that were recently made free to the public.
The Indian automaker has been developing a variety of electric vehicles (EV), which include "Halo", its upcoming sports car, according to Business Insider.
"We have not yet reviewed the patents available. (We) will have to determine the applicability to our EV products," said Pawan Goenka, executive director and president of M&M's automotive and farm equipment sectors.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, decided to make the patents open to the public in support of open sources, as well as to advance technology used for electric cars.
"Tesla would not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology," he said.
M&M's "Halo" can go as fast as 100 kilometers per hour (kmph) in less than eight seconds and has a top speed of 160 kmph. The electric sports car also has a range of 200 km when fully charged. Mahindra Group's Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles expects to launch the car commercially in the next three years. The company showcased the concept model in February at the Auto Expo, The Economic Times reported.
Chetan Maini, CEO of Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles, hinted that the automaker was interested in Tesla's patents, saying "We will review them (patents) and it's too early to comment on the direct benefit to us." Maini also expressed his approval of the move, stating it is a "great idea to share patents and technology."
"As a philosophy, I do believe it's going to make people rethink on IP and technology sharing," he added.
Nissan and BMW, two of Tesla's top competitors, have already been reported to be interested in the patents, The Economic Times reported. Tesla's line of electric cars includes sedan Model S, SUV Model X and sports car Roadster.
While the market for electric vehicles is small in India, Mahindra Reva has been working to increase its line of electric cars with vehicles like an electric version of its Verito sedan and Maxximo. These vehicles are expected to be launched by the end of 2014.
