FEV Develops New EV-battery – system Sets Benchmark in Comprehensive Safety and Performance Tests

FEV and Mahindra have jointly developed a new high energy density lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system for Mahindra's Electric Origin SUVs, following extensive safety and performance testing. The system passed comprehensive international safety evaluations, including fuel fire, nail penetration, and rollover tests.

The battery system comes in two variants with capacities of 59 kWh and 79 kWh, developed in a two-year collaboration that aimed to reduce development costs and time to market. A highlight of the system is its fast-charging capability, which allows 20-80% charging in just 20 minutes.

Testing was conducted at both Mahindra's research facilities and FEV's eDLP near Leipzig, Germany, which is the world's largest independent high-voltage battery test center. The system meets standards from organizations including IEC, ISO, UL, SAE, and AIS, with particular emphasis on the AIS regulations that are most important for the Indian market.

Dr. Thomas Hülshorst, Global Vice President Electric Powertrain at FEV, noted that the collaboration allowed the companies to develop a solution specifically tailored to the needs of the Indian market while exceeding industry standards.

The battery system entered presale in mid-February and is now transitioning to series production. Both companies have expressed plans to continue their partnership, developing additional innovative battery systems in the future.

R Velusamy, President Automotive Technology and Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., expressed optimism about future collaborations, emphasizing that upcoming joint products will maintain the same high safety standards and energy density.

The partnership brings together FEV's automotive engineering expertise with Mahindra's market position in India. FEV is a global engineering provider with 7,000 employees across 40 locations worldwide, while Mahindra Group employs 260,000 people in over 100 countries and maintains leadership positions in farm equipment, utility vehicles, and information technology in India.

This development comes as both companies continue to expand their presence in the electric vehicle market, reflecting the growing importance of EV technology in the Indian automotive sector and globally.