Volkswagen and Mahindra have signed an agreement on MEB components

Volkswagen and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) is studying the use of MEB electrical components for Mahindra’s new Born Electric Platform.

Both sides announced that they had signed a partnership agreement to assess the extent of cooperation. Mahindra intends to equip its “Born Electric Platform” with MEB electrical components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells.

The agreement assesses the scope of cooperation – it specifies the mandatory rules for the evaluation phase, as well as the optional volume of supplies. A binding supply agreement is scheduled for the end of 2022.

VW says the MEB electric platform is designed as an open platform for cars, and its components allow car manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively build their portfolio of electrified vehicles.

The common goal of the two companies is the electrification of the Indian automotive market, one of the most important automotive markets growing, and a key element of the global decarbonisation of the mobility sector.

Thomas Schmal, Member of the Board of Directors of Volkswagen Group for Technology and 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. ”

Commenting on the partnership, Rajesh Jejurikar, CEO of the automotive and agricultural sectors of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: “We are very pleased that Volkswagen, a significant global investor in electric mobility, as a strategic partner in achieving our ambitious Born Electric Vison. Complementarity with 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 presented in Oxfordshire, UK. Our teams across India, the UK and Detroit are passionately creating an exciting future. ”

At the 2021 Climate Summit in Glasgow, India made a commitment only from 2035 to register zero-emission cars and vans. As a result, the electrification of the passenger car segment is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming years.

Already today, the electric platform Volkswagen MEB is used by Volkswagen, Audi, SKODA and SEAT / CUPRA, as well as external partners. Responsibility for these partnerships rests with the Platform Business Unit.