Mahindra plans to launch their new-gen electric vehicle no sooner than 2023. Says will enter market space when ready. Currently will only focus on commercial vehicles
Mahindra displayed their eXUV300 model built on the Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform, at the expo 2020 for the 1st time. It is likely to offer two battery options on the eXUV300
The more affordable version will have a range of around 300km as the name says it. A pricier, longer-range model is also expected with a 60kWh battery pack that will power a 150kW (or 204hp) electric motor to give a range of 400+ kms.
Dr Pawan Goenka, and other key officials believe that appealing to a private buyer requires a significantly higher range. This can only be achieved only by upping the battery size which, in turn, will drive up costs today and result in the vehicle being priced out of the segment. So, they are now optimistic that their plan to launch electric cars after 2 years down the line, with a strong portfolio to back it, will prove advantageous.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra Group, felt all was not lost and said, “We do not see the EV space heating up as it does not reflect in numbers. We think EVs in the personal space will take two-three years to pick up. It is going to be large in the commercial space and we have our three-wheelers and small four-wheelers’ portfolio for that.
Jejurikar however, does not downplay the EV market and said, “We do not have any EV SUVs at the moment and plan to be ready with our portfolio in two-three years. Some will be ICE-derived models while others will be born-electric products. Our strategy is to focus on making us future ready. So, when we are out there, we should be there with the latest products, latest technology and wow customers with something which will augment our brand value. The XUV300 will be the first SUV to undergo the EV transformation with a launch in 2023.”
The more affordable version will have a range of around 300km as the name says it. A pricier, longer-range model is also expected with a 60kWh battery pack that will power a 150kW (or 204hp) electric motor to give a range of 400+ kms.
Dr Pawan Goenka, and other key officials believe that appealing to a private buyer requires a significantly higher range. This can only be achieved only by upping the battery size which, in turn, will drive up costs today and result in the vehicle being priced out of the segment. So, they are now optimistic that their plan to launch electric cars after 2 years down the line, with a strong portfolio to back it, will prove advantageous.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra Group, felt all was not lost and said, “We do not see the EV space heating up as it does not reflect in numbers. We think EVs in the personal space will take two-three years to pick up. It is going to be large in the commercial space and we have our three-wheelers and small four-wheelers’ portfolio for that.
Jejurikar however, does not downplay the EV market and said, “We do not have any EV SUVs at the moment and plan to be ready with our portfolio in two-three years. Some will be ICE-derived models while others will be born-electric products. Our strategy is to focus on making us future ready. So, when we are out there, we should be there with the latest products, latest technology and wow customers with something which will augment our brand value. The XUV300 will be the first SUV to undergo the EV transformation with a launch in 2023.”
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PluginIndia Take
The pollution vehicle media interviews the corporate head honchos of car OEMS, and we get similar disappointing answers from everyone. From Maruti to MNC Car companies to Mahindra. It's the same excuse - "There is no demand for EV's"
We say, if you don't offer EV's in the market how will the numbers improve? Mahindra has 10+ Diesel/Petrol SUV options and no electric car options. They have 30+ commercial vehicles running on diesel and 1 EV product called the Treo Zor, which is hardly being marketed, promoted and not even available at many Mahindra dealerships.
When the game is so skewed towards ICE vehicles, how can they even talk about EV numbers or demand?
We have been hearing about the launch of the eKUV100 for 2 yrs now, and it seems it has been shelved. The focus, the management and the working on the Electric Vehicle division by Mahindra is totally screwed up. All these years they worked on eKUV without thinking of market demand and now they pulled it out bearing more losses. They know if they release a 100 kms car today they will get banned by the media and people. Nobody wants 100-120km private vehicle today. The base line is 250-300 kms of range now.
No word on the Atom electric Car that they showcased in the expo. Shame that they continue to sell and introduce new cars like the XUV700. In 2021 they are still launching a large pollution vehicle, against the desire of the government. Proudly announcing the delay in launching electric vehicle, and justifying the delay as the right thing to do. We expected more from the company when we bought the e2o back in 2013. Given that Mahindra had a head start and the EV technology in their hands after having taken over the REVA, they have completely gone down the other road.
The pollution vehicle media interviews the corporate head honchos of car OEMS, and we get similar disappointing answers from everyone. From Maruti to MNC Car companies to Mahindra. It's the same excuse - "There is no demand for EV's"
We say, if you don't offer EV's in the market how will the numbers improve? Mahindra has 10+ Diesel/Petrol SUV options and no electric car options. They have 30+ commercial vehicles running on diesel and 1 EV product called the Treo Zor, which is hardly being marketed, promoted and not even available at many Mahindra dealerships.
When the game is so skewed towards ICE vehicles, how can they even talk about EV numbers or demand?
We have been hearing about the launch of the eKUV100 for 2 yrs now, and it seems it has been shelved. The focus, the management and the working on the Electric Vehicle division by Mahindra is totally screwed up. All these years they worked on eKUV without thinking of market demand and now they pulled it out bearing more losses. They know if they release a 100 kms car today they will get banned by the media and people. Nobody wants 100-120km private vehicle today. The base line is 250-300 kms of range now.
No word on the Atom electric Car that they showcased in the expo. Shame that they continue to sell and introduce new cars like the XUV700. In 2021 they are still launching a large pollution vehicle, against the desire of the government. Proudly announcing the delay in launching electric vehicle, and justifying the delay as the right thing to do. We expected more from the company when we bought the e2o back in 2013. Given that Mahindra had a head start and the EV technology in their hands after having taken over the REVA, they have completely gone down the other road.