Mahindra eyeing European markets with new bespoke EVs
During a recent interaction with ET Auto, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of Mahindra’s auto and farm sectors, said the company is considering launching electric cars in “right-hand drive markets around the world – maybe the UK.” Jejurikar added that the carmaker will also look at left-hand drive countries “over a period of time.”
Jejurikar said globalisation is easier said than done, indicating Mahindra does not want to jump the gun. The company wants to succeed with EVs in the domestic market before taking a major step like entering Europe. Speaking to The Press Trust of India, Jejurikar briefly hinted at the cadence of launch in the potential new region. He said Mahindra will test the waters in the UK before deciding to enter continental Europe, probably because re-engineering products with a left-hand drive setup requires heavy investments.
This is not the first time Mahindra is talking about launching electric cars in European markets. In June last year, the company subtly slipped a statement conveying this plan in its annual report for FY2023-24. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore new potential markets like the UK and Europe with our upcoming Born Electric Range,” it stated. However, now, the company is more vocal about the topic, suggesting it is more confident about the plan and is advancing with the internal study.
Last November, Mahindra simultaneously launched its first two bespoke EVs in India – the BE 6 and XEV 9e. These models are the country’s most advanced locally manufactured electric cars and have generated a lot of buzz. Both models have an SUV-coupe body style, which started trending in India only recently, thanks to the Tata Curvv.ev (and Tata Curvv). Additionally, they offer high performance, fast charging, and an impressive range, all far exceeding industry standards in India. Jejurikar said that the company has set a monthly sales target of 5,000 units (combined).
By the end of 2026, Mahindra will launch three more dedicated EVs and could finalise plans to enter Europe after building this comprehensive line-up of strong potential products. The company has an agreement with Volkswagen Group to use its MEB components, such as electric motors, battery systems, and battery cells, and could leverage that for some of these future models. However, it was reported in August 2023 that these were delayed and that Mahindra also signed a battery deal with BYD.
Mahindra manufactures its bespoke EVs and assembles their batteries at a new dedicated plant in Chakan, Maharashtra. The company has installed an annual production capacity of 200,000 EVs at this factory and aims to reach that level between 2027 and 2029.
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