Mahindra showcases its future-readiness at Auto Expo 2020 across EVs, petrol power and BS VI

Mahindra & Mahindra, which has been accelerating its electric mobility programme over the past couple of years, has used the platform of the Auto Expo 2020 (Pavilion Hall 10, Stall N2) to turn the spotlight on its expanding range of EVs and clean mobility solutions.

Four EVs on display included the Funster electric roadster concept, the urban e-mobility solution for last-mile connectivity needs, the  e-XUV300 which extends the popular compact SUV’s stable, and the  e-KUV100, India’s most affordable EV starting at Rs 825,000 (ex-showroom Delhi, after FAME benefit). The e-KUV100 comes with a 15.9kWh motor producing 40kW and 120Nm and a liquid-cooled battery pack with a range of 150km, which can be fast charged to up to 80 percent in less than an hour.

eXUV300 to take on Tata Nexon EV
Hot on the heels of the Tata Nexon EV’s arrival, Mahindra has taken the wraps off its own all-electric compact SUV, the eXUV300. The eXUV300 eschews the standard combustion model’s petrol and diesel engines for an all-electric powertrain. 

The eXUV300 is built on the Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform, which will also underpin future Mahindra EVs. The eSUV comes with a 350V powertrain, with a more powerful 380V version expected to join the line-up later. Mahindra is also likely to offer two battery pack options on the eXUV300. The more affordable battery pack will allow Mahindra to price the electricXUV300 on par with the Nexon EV, while the longer-range model could be pitched as a rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. A third battery pack option is also being developed, with an even longer range to highlight the potential of its electric vehicle. 

The electric compact SUV is the first product with battery cells developed exclusively for India applications by LG Chem – a Korean battery manufacturer that has been collaborating with Mahindra in the field of advanced lithium-ion battery technology. 

The production-spec Mahindra eXUV300 SUV is set to be launched in India in the second half of 2021. 

Speaking at the company’s growth plan, Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra, said: “We have invested Rs 1,700 crore into the EV business so far in technology, infrastructure and products. I do believe the primary segment for uptick of EVs in India is going to be shared mobility and that is why we are focusing first on that segment. It wrong for us to put onus for everything on the government. I sincerely believe that the government has done a lot to push EVs. The incentives in FAME, GST reduction and on infrastructure are a big support. We are investing an additional Rs 500 crore in an R&D facility in Bangalore and on capacity expansion at Pune."

M&M embraces petrol tech, displays new range of mStallion TGDI engines
In an effort to show that it has embraced petrol engine technology, Mahindra, which wants to shed its image of being a diesel-driven automaker, showcased its all-new BS VI-ready range of mStallion turbo gasoline direct injection (TGDi) engines which, it says, “will deliver a great fun- to-drive experience to its customers.”

This all-new range of (TGDi) petrol engines will power upcoming Mahindra models – as well as future SUVs from Ssangyong and Ford. Dubbed the mStallion, the range features 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines. The 2.0-litre engine develops 190hp and 380Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Mahindra engine till date. This state-of-the-art 1,997cc engine will be installed under the hood of Mahindra’s future range of larger SUVs – like the next-gen Thar (W501) XUV500 (W601) and Scorpio (Z101) – as well as Ford’s C-SUV, which shares the same platform and mechanicals as the W601. The mStallion will be mated to an all-new 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic from Aisin. The 1.2 TGDI develops 130hp and 230Nm of torque, while the 1.5 develops 163hp and 280Nm of torque.

Other engines in Mahindra's petrol line-up include the 23hp, 625cc, single-cylinder petrol motor (for commercial application in the Jeeto), the mFalcon (G12), 1.2-litre, three-cylinder MPFI that powers the KUV100 and in turbo guise, powers the XUV300.

Developed at its cradle of R&D and innovation, the state-of-the-art Mahindra Research Valley, the mStallion range of petrol engines have been designed, engineered, developed and tested to deliver thrilling performance across varied driving and traffic conditions. 

Dr Goenka said, “As Mahindra enters its 75^th year, our theme of ‘Driven by Purpose‘ will be the pillar on which we develop sustainable mobility solutions for the future. Our focus will not only be on growing our clean business unit through our electric mobility business but to also provide cleaner engines as we approach the implementation of BS VI norms. I am also delighted that Mahindra’s showcase this year reflects our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ philosophy, while developing globally relevant mobility solutions.”

Rajan Wadhera, president, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “What gives us a sense of pride today is the display of our new M Stallion BS VI range of petrol engines, which are truly world class with the highest level of technology. It is fitting that we choose to display these engines at an important industry event like the Auto Expo. I am particularly proud of our new range of BS VI trucks which have had minimal changes and offer a hassle-free ownership experience. The launch of our Cruzio range of buses is another significant step toward making us a full range player in the CV segment.”