-Expected to launch in Q1 of 2021
-eKUV 100 could be Mahindra’s answer to an affordable EV
Mahindra Electric has hinted that it could launch the eKUV 100 in the next three months. Mahindra launched its three-wheeler cargo pickup – Treo Zor today and during the launch, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD & CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “With eKUV100 we will focus on shared mobility, this will be India's most affordable electric car and we will be launching it in the next three months.” This signals that Mahindra is gearing up for the production of the EV and we could expect it to hit the roads early next year.
The eKUV 100 was showcased earlier in February at the Auto Expo 2020. The prototype on display looked very identical to the KUV100 NXT with some exterior highlights like body colored front grille and low resistance tyres with aerodynamically efficient wheel covers. The interiors had similar resemblance to the NXT with a dashboard mounted automatic transmission.
Mahindra has not given out any details with respect to the battery pack capacity, although it claims a range of 147km on a single charge. The charging capability of the liquid-cooled battery from 0 to 80 percent would take about one hour. The electric motor is speculated to produce 54hp and 120Nm of torque with the power sent to the front wheels. The upcoming tech on the EV could include remote door lock/unlock, location tracking and battery status updates.
The eKUV 100 as told at the expo is expected to be introduced at Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). If Mahindra is successful to deliver the eKUV 100 in the promised price, it could spark off a new segment of affordable EV under the Rs 10 lakh price bracket. Currently, the only available EVs in the Indian market are the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Tata Nexon EV and Mercedes EQC which carry a hefty price tag.
