Mahindra And Volkswagen’s New Agreement To Explore Local Battery Production

• Mahindra SUVs will use VW MEB electric drivetrain and other components. 

• VW offers rear and all-wheel drive drivetrains with up to 395PS. 

• Possibilities for further collaboration under consideration. 

• To also focus on battery manufacturing and charging solutions. 

Mahindra has signed a new term agreement with the Volkswagen Group that goes beyond merely sharing electric components from VW’s MEB toolkit in the XUV and BE branded SUVs. The two companies will consider future collaborations, such as developing charging and energy solutions and locally manufacturing batteries. 

New Term Sheet Signed 

At the unveiling of the Mahindra Born Electric range, the two carmakers signed a Term Sheet that covers all the major aspects of the prior agreement to share components. Interestingly, it also presents a path to localise battery manufacturing in India.

Previously, VW had agreed to supply tech from its global MEB electric vehicle toolkit such as drivetrain components, battery systems and battery cells. The final agreement will be signed by the end of this year. 

In the next step, Mahindra and VW will explore collaborative development in the larger field of EVs. This includes new electric vehicle projects, EV charging and energy storage solutions and other efforts to strengthen the EV ecosystem. 

Rajesh Jejurikar, the Executive Director of Auto and Farm Sectors at Mahindra, said, “Our vision is to lead the electric mobility revolution in India by bringing authentic electric SUVs with cutting-edge technology, as showcased in the UK today. We are very pleased to explore further areas of potential collaboration with Volkswagen and are confident that together, we will be able to shape an exciting electric future.” 

Powerful Volkswagen components for Born EVs 

The Mahindra XUV and Born Electric SUVs will use all-wheel drive and rear-drive powertrains from Volkswagen. Globally, the German carmaker offers two-wheel drivetrains with outputs ranging from 230-285PS and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains with up to 395PS outputs. According to Mahindra, the quickest SUVs will be capable of doing the 0-100kmph sprint in just 5 to 6 seconds! 

In addition, Volkswagen will supply batteries of 60-80kWh capacities, with the 80kWh pack rated for up to 450km of WLTP range. Expect real-world driving range of around 300-400km from the smaller packs. 

Also read: 

• Mahindra Reveals New XUV e8 And e9 Alongside Born Electric Range Of SUVs

• Mahindra Joins Hands With VW For Using Electric Car Components For Its Upcoming Born EVs

The new partnership should yield positive growth for the Indian EV industry, but it’ll be a while before we get to see the fruits of this collaboration, with the first XUV-branded electric SUV set to debut in December 2024.