Indian manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra will release several electric cars in the coming days under the Born Electric brand. The first of the EV models is likely to debut in July this year.
Mahindra and Mahindra joined hands with a German automaker Volkswagen cooperate on future electric vehicles. On Wednesday, the two automakers signed a partnership agreement to “assess the extent of the cooperation.” Earlier this year, Mahindra and Mahindra announced they would ride in three electric cars in India on a special EV platform. In February, the carmaker teased the compact SUV, mid-size SUV and SUV. It was later confirmed that the first model, to be unveiled in July, will be an electric version of the subcompact SUV. XUV300.
Under the agreement, Mahindra will seek the help of a German carmaker with electric MEB components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells. The MEB’s electrical architecture is designed as an open vehicle platform. The platform and its components allow car manufacturers to build their portfolio of electrified vehicles in a cost-effective way.
Rajesh Jejurikar, CEO of the automotive and agricultural sectors of Mahindra & Mahindra, said: “We are delighted that Volkswagen, a significant global investor in electric mobility, has become a strategic partner in achieving our ambitious Born Electric Vison. The complementarity of their extensive technology, innovation and vertical integration into the supply chain will provide the basis for the development of our next generation “Born Electric Platform” which will soon be unveiled in Oxfordshire, UK. Our teams across India, the UK and Detroit are passionately creating an exciting future. ”
Thomas Schmal, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “Mahindra is a pioneer in electric mobility in India and an excellent partner for our MEB Electric Platform. Together with Mahindra we want to make a significant contribution to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with huge growth potential and high importance for climate protection. This is another proof that MEB is both modern technological and very competitive in terms of price. As such, MEB is gradually evolving into a leading open platform for e-mobility, creating significant volume and economies of scale. This is important for every company in the EV world and the key to competitive solutions for our customers. ”
The electric platform Volkswagen MEB is currently used in global markets by various brands of the group, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and others.
Mahindra demonstrated eXUV300 at Auto Expo 2020 as the first-ever all-electric SUV manufacturer. Under the code name S204, the electric SUV could be called the XUV400 in its production form. The SUV was originally planned to be built on the Ford B platform and was targeted at Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, those plans were halted after Mahindra and Ford closed their joint venture in India.
Date of first publication: May 19, 2022, 12:06 PM IST
https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/cars/mahindra-joins-hands-with-volkswagen-to-get-meb-electric-components-for-its-evs-41652941097511.html
