Volkswagen, M&M will evaluate the use of MEB electrical components

Volkswagen and M&M announced that they signed a partnership agreement on May 18 to assess the scope of cooperation and study the use of MEB electrical components for Mahindra’s new “Born Electric Platform”.

Mahindra intends to equip its “Born Electric Platform” with MEB electrical components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells. The partnership agreement assesses the scope of cooperation – it sets out the mandatory rules for the evaluation phase, as well as the optional scope of supplies. A binding supply agreement is planned to be concluded constructively and legally by the end of 2022.

The MEB electric platform and its components, designed as an open platform for cars, 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 the Volkswagen Technology Group and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components: “This is another proof that MEB is both 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 M&M’s automotive and agricultural sectors, added: “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. ”

The Volkswagen MEB electric platform is currently used by Volkswagen Group brands, Audi, Skoda and SEAT / CUPRA, as well as external partners.

India is among the top 5 global car markets with about three million cars a year. According to current forecasts, by 2030 the market could grow to five million cars. Until now, the market was dominated by cars with diesel or gasoline engines. However, at the 2021 Climate Summit in Glasgow, India undertook to register zero-emission cars and vans starting in 2035. As a result, the electrification of the passenger car segment is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming years. Industry experts estimate that by 2030, more than half of all new cars will be fully electric.