Mahindra has revealed the production-spec BE 6e and XEV 9e and we drove them at the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art testing facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. These vehicles also stand out for being the first ones to be based on Mahindra’s INGLO platform. This high-voltage architecture has been indigenously developed by the Indian giant. Furthermore, it uses a huge 79 kWh battery pack (a smaller 59 kWh unit is also available). In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail of this battery pack and you might get answers to all of your questions and concerns around this.
Mahindra’s INGLO Architecture: Prelude
Let’s start with the architecture. INGLO stands for INdia for GLObal ( Made in India for the World). This 400V BEV architecture has been developed in-house by Mahindra. Over 2200 engineers were involved in the process. Today, an 800V architecture is considered the holy grail and seems like Mahindra is already halfway there!
The INGLO is a scalable and modular electric vehicle skateboard platform that can support vehicles of different sizes and body styles. On both the BE 6e and XEV 9e, the electric motor sits at the rear. The platform, however, supports RWD, AWD and FWD. These vehicles could get dual motor setups in the future.
The electric motor here is capable of producing 282 hp and 380 Nm. This is killer spec for the price that these vehicles come at. 0-100 kph would take 6.7 seconds. There are two battery packs available: 59 kWh and 79 kWh. Mahindra says the battery itself ( probably the bigger one) weighs 550 kilos. These are integrated into the platform and are well-packaged. The larger is claimed to return ARAI range figures of 600+ km per charge. Let’s now dive deeper into the details of the battery pack.
No More NMCs, Hello Blade Cells!
The carmaker’s first electric SUV- the XUV 400 used to make do with NMC (Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide) batteries, even when its rivals had technologically superior LFPs. Mahindra seems to have fixed this with the BE and XEV models as both get LFP battery packs with high packaging efficiency and stability. These are claimed to have the highest energy densities (141.55 wh/kg), if we are to compare it with any EV available in India today.
Currently, Mahindra buys and imports cells from China (likely from BYD, as they’ve confirmed the use of Blade cell technology- a BYD exclusive) and packages and tests them extensively in India. These are what determine their efficacies. We expect this to change to a different model, once the Mahindra-VW agreement for sourcing unified cells kicks in in 2026.
A lot of care has been put into designing and developing other key powertrain components- the cooling plate to cite a quick example- in a way that the performance, efficiency and security are not compromised in the event of an incident or over time. The cooling plate has been given 18mm of additional protection so that minor impacts would not unsettle it or interfere with its functions. In case you did not know, a cooling plate helps in effectively managing the battery temperature, and the same is essential for ensuring its performance, longevity, and safety. The INGLO uses liquid-cooled batteries.
Uses Cell To Pack Tech
Cell To Pack (CTP) is the practice of integrating individual cells directly into the pack and avoiding the use of intermediate modules or associated electronics. This helps in enhancing the energy density and packaging efficiency along with simplifying the manufacturing process. And what does that mean to the buyer? More range, talking just the very basic (read simple) side of things!
Killer Battery Warranty!
Mahindra seems to be so confident in the battery packs that they are now offering lifetime warranties for these. The clause here is that lifetime coverage only applies to the first ownership. The second owner gets to enjoy 200,000 Kms/10 years from the date of original purchase.
Don’t Worry About The Monsoons And Waterlogging!
Mahindra has done extensive research and put in massive efforts to make the battery packs suitable for Indian conditions. They have tested these extensively in various challenging conditions, to ensure healthy endurance and safety levels. Many Indian cities are prone to waterlogging during the monsoons. The manufacturer has ensured IP67 waterproofing for the battery pack. These batteries are submerged into water of depths of up to 4 bar for 12 hours, 24 hours and even 48 hours in various verification tests. Mahindra’s Chief of Global Product Development (Auto ) R Velusamy says they have done up to 10 bars without compromising the battery.
More Safety Tests And Endurance Checks
With the BE 6e and XEV 9e battery packs, Mahindra has done more endurance tests and security checks on these. They have run these through several vibration tests- high frequency, low amplitude, and even ran a full-size truck over it. The battery sits inside lightweight aluminium brackets with extrusions. This provides great protection in the event of a crash.
The EVs were also put to G forces of over 7 gs. Mahindra even set the battery pack on fire to test its fireproofing. Being made of blade cells, these could even clear the ‘Nail’ test with ease. The carmaker hasn’t however, confessed such a thing happening.
Everest Standard In Charging Time!
Being a high-voltage architecture, the INGLO supports extremely high charging speeds. Over a 175 kW DC fast charger, 20-80% replenishing would take just 20 minutes- even for the 79 kWh battery. Over an AC charger, however, the bigger battery will take up to 11.7 hr for a 20-80% recharge- with a 7.2 kW charger. This as the brand says, is the ‘Everest standard’ in charging speed.
