Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, the country's leading utility vehicle manufacturer, is believed to be mulling over the possibility of battery driven Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) models. The auto maker is looking at electric powered cars for its own brand and also for its South Korean subsidiary- SsangYong Motor Company.
As per industry sources, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Private Limited, a part of the $ 15.4 billion Mahindra Group, will play a major role in the development of upcoming Mahindra and SsangYong battery powered SUV units. Evidently, the electric car making subsidiary could use its well-established resources towards the design and development of electric motors to be incorporated in the utility vehicles. At present, all Mahindra and SsangYong SUV models offered in Indian auto market derive their power from only diesel powertrains.
However, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles has negated any future plans of developing its own electric powered SUV models. Expressing his views on the same, a senior official has been quoted as saying, “An electric SUV is possible, but there’s no such plan at this point.” Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles is currently on cloud nine with the launch of its e2o small battery powered hatchback, which took place on March 18, 2013 in the domestic passenger car market. The Mahindra e2o is the country's only electric car at the moment and is a denouement of the company's acclaimed 'Future of Mobility' concept.
Interestingly, Mahindra and Mahindra's Research and Development (R&D) division is contemplating the possibility of utilising the resources of Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles for application in battery powered two-wheelers. Further, no specific time frames have been revealed by the company for the arrival of its new electric fleet. It is going to be interesting to see how the domestic audience reacts to electric two-wheelers, along with Mahindra and SsangYong SUV models.
