Introduction to Mahindra’s Bold EV Vision
Mahindra & Mahindra, a leading Indian automaker, has committed ₹4,500 crore to develop two groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) brands. This investment encompasses the establishment of production facilities and marks a crucial part of the company’s ₹16,000 crore capital expenditure planned for FY22 to FY27.
A Strategic Step Towards “Born Electric” Models
Mahindra is building a state-of-the-art production plant in Chakan with an initial capacity to manufacture 90,000 units annually. This facility will produce two newly conceptualized “Born Electric” models, the BE 6e and the XEV 9e, created from scratch to cater to the growing EV market.
Scalable Production Plans
According to Rajesh Jejurikar, Mahindra’s Executive Director and CEO for the auto and agriculture sectors, the Chakan plant’s production capacity can be scaled up to 120,000 units per year to meet future demands.
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Launch Details and Pricing of New EV Models
The BE 6e and XEV 9e models are set to launch in February or March of the upcoming year. Their ex-showroom prices are competitive, starting at ₹18.9 lakh for the BE 6e and ₹21.9 lakh for the XEV 9e. Pricing details for additional variants will follow soon after the launch.
Impressive Performance and Range
Both models are designed to offer exceptional range and performance. The BE 6e provides a range of 682 km, while the XEV 9e boasts a range of 656 km on a single charge. These features make them strong contenders in the premium EV segment.
Focus on Accessibility and Lifestyle
Jejurikar highlighted Mahindra’s commitment to developing accessible lifestyle products, aiming to strike a balance between aspiration and affordability. He stated, “We believe accessibility will lead to volume,” while acknowledging that consumer adaptation to EVs may take time due to factors like pricing.
Global Expansion Plans
After establishing a strong presence in the Indian market, Mahindra plans to explore international opportunities for its new EV models. The initial focus will be on right-hand drive markets, with left-hand drive regions to follow.
Timeline for Market Strategy and Deliveries
The company aims to implement a go-to-market strategy for these electric SUVs by late January 2025. Deliveries are expected to begin in February or March 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s EV journey.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
To ensure a premium customer experience, Mahindra plans to onboard 500 experts from luxury and premium brands to provide pre-purchase driving experiences. Furthermore, around 400 tech specialists will be dedicated to customer service, supported by Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai.
Mahindra’s Current EV Portfolio
The company already has the XUV400 in its electric passenger vehicle lineup, which has been well-received in the market. The addition of the BE 6e and XEV 9e will further solidify its position in the EV segment.
Adoption of Advanced Digital Technology
In a significant development, Mahindra has partnered with Dassault Systèmes to advance its digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and solutions, this collaboration aims to enhance Mahindra’s technological capabilities, optimize processes, and foster innovation across its operations.
A New Chapter in Sustainable Mobility
Mahindra’s commitment to electric mobility reflects its vision for a sustainable and accessible future. With strategic investments, advanced technology adoption, and a focus on customer satisfaction, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the EV market.
Conclusion
Mahindra’s ₹4,500 crore investment in two new EV brands underscores its ambition to lead in the electric mobility space. With a robust strategy, innovative products, and a customer-centric approach, the company is ready to shape the future of sustainable transportation both in India and globally.
