Buoyed by the launch of its first electric car e2o, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, one of the country’s leading auto makers, has started developing a bigger and more powerful electric vehicle for the domestic audience. The company’s South Korean subsidiary, SsangYong Motor Company will also use Mahindra’s new vehicle platform.
The development has been confirmed by Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Division and Farm Equipment Sector (FES), Mahindra & Mahindra Limited. However, Goenka refused to share information regarding the investment to be made by the company on its new project. It has also been revealed that the Research and Development (R&D) work on the proposed electric vehicle has already been kicked off at the company’s subsidiary Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles’ Bangalore based manufacturing facility.
Commenting on the upcoming new electric model, while not divulging specific information, Goenka was quoted as saying, “This is going to be the next generation vehicle after the set of launches of electric vehicle that are coming up from our stable. It is going to take several years." He further added, “This is for bigger vehicles. We have not decided anything yet. After development we will see whether this will be suitable for Mahindra vehicles or SsangYong vehicles.”
It is going to be interesting to see if Mahindra & Mahindra, the country’s leading utility vehicle manufacturer, introduces an electric powered Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) model in the country. The company has introduced a battery powered hatchback in the form of e2o and therefore, an electric SUV looks like an interesting proposition as well. Speaking on the possibility of SsangYong getting the new platform, Goenka said, “SsangYong has shown interest on development of this platform.”
As per reports, the company is looking at extrapolating its electric mobility technologies for use in two-wheeler vehicles as well. Mahindra & Mahindra has also revealed intentions to bring electric versions of its Verito entry level in the domestic auto market within the next 12 months.
