Mahindra showcased at the eXUV300 at the Auto Expo 2020. While it was well-received by the audience, Mahindra did not launch the SUV last year. Manufacturers are slowly working their way up on offering electric vehicles in India. However, India still lacks the electric charging infrastructure. Tata’s Nexon EV is doing very well in the Indian market and the recently updated MG ZS EV is also doing pretty good for an expensive electric SUV. With the constantly increasing fuel prices, the Government is offering incentives and subsidies if you opt for an electric vehicle. Mahindra has already promised EV launches for India. Here are a few details that emerged recently and confirms the details about the eXUV300.
Range
Mahindra eXUV300 will come with a range of 375 km. However, the real-world range will be less but should be enough for daily commutes. Mahesh Babu, MD & CEO, Mahindra Electric said that the electric car would have the range, performance and comfort required to meet the personal mobility needs.
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Multiple Variants
Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD & CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra confirmed that the eXUV300 will be offered in two variants. The lower one will be aimed towards people who will be using the electric SUV for daily commutes while the higher variant will offer more range and will be able to do long distances over highways. The standard variant will offer a range of around 200 km while the long-range model will offer a range of 375 km.
When compared, its rival, Tata Nexon EV offers a range of 312 km which is ARAI certified. The range of eXUV300 is more by a good amount. However, this does mean that the higher variant of the eXUV300 will cost more than the Tata Nexon EV. The eXUV300 uses a 350-volt powertrain has been developed completely in-house by Mahindra Electric in India. The powertrain supports a wide range of electric motors from 60 kW to 280 kW output, dual-motor setups and batteries up to 80 kWh capacities. So, the unit is quite versatile and could be used in different vehicles.
Looks
The eXUV300 will look slightly different from the ICE XUV300. It will come with the same dimensions and body but it will get electric blue accents as we saw on the concept. The blue accents will be on the front grille, alloy wheels and there could be some EV badging too. Expect the differences to be like in the regular Tata Nexon and the Nexon EV.
Technology-driven interior
The interior of the eXUV300 will be updated to match the EV theme. It will get blue accents on the upholstery and there will be more advanced connected car technology. There could be some feature additions too such as a wireless charger and a slightly different instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Launch
The launch of the eXUV300 is right on schedule. Dr. Goenka said that the eXUV300 will launch in late 2021 or early 2022 as there has been no effect of Coronavirus on the launch. The electric SUV will also be launched in the international markets. There is a possibility that the eXUV300 will be exported to Europe and South Africa. Rajesh Gupta, the CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra’s South African division, said earlier this year that the eKUV100 and eXUV300 are under consideration for launch in the African nation.