Mahindra gained the first-mover edge into the electric vehicle (EV) space when it launched e2O, an iteration of the ageing Reva, a decade ago. However, the company soon lost its advantage as it failed to expand its EV lineup while newer players like Tata Motors, Hyundai and MG launched their respective electric models. The company then introduced the battery-powered eVerito sedan to the Indian auto market, which tanked. Mahindra currently offers just one electric vehicle and now the automaker plans to re-enter the EV space with a new generation of electric cars, starting with the battery-powered eXUV300, which will replace the IC engine-powered XUV300. Mahindra XUV300 Electric aka eXUV300 EV due in 2023.
2023 Mahindra XUV300 Electric aka eXUV300 EV
At the Auto Expo, a pre-production concept version of the same was displayed. Mahindra plans to launch its first electric compact SUV in 2023, followed by a slew of other electric vehicles. Furthermore, Mahindra intends to launch all-new EV models with new brand names in the EV segment. Mahindra’s XUV300 electric SUV is expected to have a 40kWh battery that will output 130 bhp and provide a range of 300km on a single charge in 2023.
Mahindra has accelerated the launch of its XUV300 electric version following the success of Tata Nexon electric in the Indian market. Despite sharing the same MESMA 350 platform, developed in-house by Mahindra Electric, it could be slightly longer. Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture are known as MESMA. Nexon EV currently registers about 1,500 to 2,500 sales per month. However, there is a waiting period of 3-6 months. Tata is also working on releasing a new version of Nexon EV this year, which will have a larger battery to deliver more range.
eKUV100 only for Fleet Sector
In addition, eKUV100, the battery-powered derivative of KUV100, will not cater to private buyers. According to Mahindra, the electric cross-hatch will only serve the fleet sector, and its planned range of 130-150km will be sufficient for its intended function.
To increase range, the battery capacity would have to be increased, which would have increased the cost of the vehicle. As a result, an entry-level buyer would not have been able to afford it. However, Mahindra Electric recently featured the eKUV100 on its official website. In addition to eXUV300, a pre-production concept of eKUV100 was also presented at last year’s Auto Expo.
The eKUV100, like many other products, was intended to be released this year, but the Covid-19 pandemic intervened.
Conclusion
Mahindra is currently expanding its electric vehicle line-up in the business sector, where it already has electric three and small four-wheelers. The automaker believes that the present EV market penetration is insufficient to support the introduction of electric vehicles. For more automobile related content, stay tuned to Auto Tech Portal.
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