by Mahindra and Volkswagen (VW) Group, based in Germany, announced on Friday that they had signed a supply agreement that will allow the two automakers to share essential parts for electric vehicles. For its INGLO platform, Mahindra, an automaker based in Mumbai, will source unified cells and parts from Volkswagen’s MEB architecture. Beginning in December 2024, Mahindra plans to launch five all-electric SUVs built on the INGLO platform. Chairman Anand Mahindra described the INGLO platform as a “disruptive new electric platform” when he unveiled it back in 2022.
Volkswagen’s battery strategy revolves around the revolutionary unified cell concept, which Mahindra will be the first external partner to employ. Over the course of several years, the supply agreement will have a total volume of roughly 50 GWh. Along with external partners like Ford and Mahindra, brands like Audi, Skoda, and SEAT/CUPRA use Volkswagen’s MEB platform and its components.
The prismatic cell used in the unified cell concept is claimed to lower battery costs by about 50%. It works well with solid-state technology and is scalable and independent of chemistry. Mahindra is developing its “born-electric” range, which will include electric SUVs sold under the XUV and BE sub-brands, and presently sells the XUV400 EV in the Indian market. With over five million new cars sold in India in 2023, it will rank among the world’s largest automotive markets.
This partnership between the two partners is anticipated to greatly improve the country’s e-mobility scene. “Volkswagen and Mahindra are expanding their partnership, which began in 2022 with a term sheet and partnering agreement, with this agreement. Both companies will continue to evaluate a potential expansion of the collaboration,” the two companies said in their joint statement.
Upcoming Mahindra EVs: Which EV is launching first?
Mahindra has been thoroughly testing the XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 electric SUVs for several months now, and despite their extensive camouflage, it appears that everything is proceeding as Mahindra had originally planned. The XUV.e8, Mahindra’s first electric vehicle, is scheduled to go on sale in December 2024. Based on the XUV700, this EV is probably going to have two battery options: 60 kWh and 80 kWh.
It will also probably have single and dual motor options for AWD and RWD, as well as 4-wheel drive (4WD) for off-road activities.Large features from Mahindra include being the first EV in the class to have three displays: an infotainment system, an instrument cluster, and a passenger display. The XUV.e9, an electric SUV coupe with a similar interior design and range of battery options, is scheduled to debut in May 2025.
