The Mahindra eKUV100 EV Looks Ready For Launch

• The eKUV100 EV was spotted near Mahindra’s plant in Tamil Nadu.
• The test mule was largely uncamouflaged with some front and rear cladding.
• Mahindra is likely to launch the all-electric KUV100 at the Auto Expo 2020.
• The eKUV100 will be equipped with fast charging capabilities and offer a range of 120km.

Mahindra Electric has been quietly testing its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs), including the XUV300 Electric, for the Indian market. After a long spell spent underground, the Mahindra eKUV100 has been spied testing again in Tamil Nadu near Mahindra’s Kanchipuram plant, suggesting it is nearing launch. The high-resolution images reveal a near production-ready model which looks identical to the regular model powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). The eKUV100 is likely to be Mahindra’s first EV to be offered for private use after the e2O hatchback. It has a claimed range of 120km and is expected to be launched at Auto Expo 2020. Expect prices to be higher side (around Rs 10 lakh) when compared to the regular model. 

The eKUV100 has been spied on our roads since late 2017 when prototypes were being tested in Pune and Chennai. It is likely to be produced at Mahindra’s facility in Kanchipuram, while some production and development may occur at the company’s Chakan facility near Pune. 

While the eVerito was a more practical vehicle than the eKUV100, the latter’s tall-boy design works well to accommodate the slightly undersized 15.9kWh battery which sits under the floor. There are no exterior or interior design changes on the eKUV100 barring the slightly reworked LED headlamps and taillamps and the closed upper grille.

 

The electric motor will offer 40kW (54PS) of power and 120Nm of peak torque. At 1200kg the eKUV100 is just 60kg heavier than its diesel counterpart, and 65kg lighter than the eVerito sedan. Mahindra claims that its upcoming EV will be capable of covering 120km on a full charge. The battery takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to charge via a 7.2kW wall charger. Additionally, the eKUV100 will also be equipped with fast charging capabilities that can juice up the batteries completely in just 55 minutes when plugged into a CCS fast charger.

The eKUV100 is expected to be on display at Auto Expo 2020 and may be launched at the event or soon after. It will go head-to-head with the recently launched Tata Tigor EV in terms of price.