Mahindra eXUV300, eKUV100 electric vehicles to launch in 2022

Tuhin Guha Updated: May 04, 2021, 02:21 PM IST

Mahindra and Mahindra has confirmed to OVERDRIVE that the homegrown carmaker will begin its foray into the passenger EV space from the next calendar year. Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director of Mahindra and Mahindra tolds us that the firms two new EVs, the Mahindra eXUV300 and the eKUV100, already showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo will see a market launch in 2022.

Mahindra EV strategy

Mahindra has put in place a two-pronged strategy to shore up its presence in the EV space. The company plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore into its EV business by 2025, also the time the firm thinks the personal EV segment in the country will have matured significantly in terms of cost and infrastructure. The company has already invested Rs 1,700 crore from this and has spent another Rs 500 crore to set up a new research and development centre. Meanwhile, the Mahindra Electric subsidiary has also been consolidated into the larger Mahindra Automotive group.

The company is following a two-pronged strategy for its entry into the EV space. Currently, the focus is on last-mile mobility solutions, a segment that the firm thinks is ready for electrification. The company has a full range of electric three-wheelers on the market and the Mahindra Atom, a passenger-carrying four-wheeler shown in near-production form at the Auto Expo, will also launch sometime this year.

Mahindra eXUV300 concept

Mahindra eXUV300 launch date, range

As for the personal EV space, the company is developing the MESMA 350 (Mahindra Electric Scalable Modular Architecture). This will be a high voltage, long-range platform that will be the base for the eXUV300. The Mahindra XUV300 electric is expected to be powered by a 40kWh battery which will give it a power output of 132PS, with a range of about 300Km in a single charge. The eKUV100 will be aimed at a most price-conscious segment and should come with a roughly 150km range. The eXUV300 will go up against the Tata Nexon EV and should charge a similar Rs 2 to 3 lakh premium over the standard car. Mahindra has confirmed that it will focus on the EV SUV market, in keeping with its positioning in the IC-engined market.

Check out our walkaround videos of the Mahindra eXUV300 and the eKUV100 below