Mahindra to launch 2 new electric vehicles; KUV100 EV likely

Mahindra will launch two new electric vehicles in India, and Dr. Pawan Goenka, the MD of the company has just revealed the time-frame for the launch of these cars. The first new electric car will be launched in 2018, while the second one will come in a year later, in 2019.

We expect that the electric version of the KUV100 micro crossover will be the first new electric car from Mahindra. Details about the second car are not available but it is expected to be another car from Mahindra’s current range. Mahindra is unlikely to electrify ladder frame based vehicles as they are too heavy.

New electric vehicles from the automaker will be based on monocoque platform-based vehicles. Here is confirmation about the launches from Dr. Pawan Goenka,

Our first new electric car will come by 2018 and the second one will be launched by the end of 2019 and we are very excited for both.

Both new cars are expected to be built at Mahindra Electric’s factory in Bangalore’s Electronic City. This factory already produces the E2O hatchback and eVerito sedan. In the coming years, Mahindra is also likely to launch an electric version of the Ford Figo Aspire. We’re saying this because Mahindra and Ford plan to use the Figo Aspire platform for a new electric car.

Mahindra, by acquiring Reva Electric, has become one of India’s biggest electric vehicle makers. The company also runs an electric vehicle racing effort in Formula E. By 2030, the Indian government wants to replace petrol and diesel powered vehicles with electric vehicles.

This is expected to reduce pollution in India in a big way. It will also reduce the dependence of India on fossil fuels. The government is also taking steps to set-up electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. A lot of car makers are planning electric vehicles.

Via Auto.NDTV