Mahindra e-KUV100 slated to launch in 2021
The electric SUV market in India does not have many contenders. With the EV market at boom and the introduction of Tesla in India, other carmakers are also preparing to fire their guns. Mahindra has launched its all-electric eKUV100 compact SUV in India. It is company's cheapest electric four-wheeler with a price-tag of Rs 8.25 lakh, which is inclusive of FAME II subsidies. It's appearance is similar to the KUV100 NXT as well as a sleek grille and aerodynamic wheel covers.
Exterior
On the exterior, it looks quite similar to the ongoing gasoline-powered unit. But, slight changes have been made to distinguish it as an EV. Mahindra eKUV100 has a KUV100 NXT-inspired look, a minimalist body-colored closed grille, featuring a sloping roofline, silver-finished skid plates, and a wide air vent.
The SUV is flanked by blacked-out B-pillars, squared-off wheel arches, indicator-mounted ORVMs, and designer alloy wheels. For lighting, it has sleek LED headlights and wrap-around LED tail lamps. The front grille will draw heavy inspiration from other EVs in the market. Overall, the dimensions of the car are same.
Interiors
The new EV has a 5-seater cabin with a chrome such as garnish around the dashboard, power windows, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a multifunctional steering wheel. The SUV is equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment console with support for the latest connectivity options. All standard safety features including parking sensors, multiple airbags, and ABS with EBD should be present.
Engine
The eKUV100 have a 150 km driving range on a single charge of it's liquid cooled lithium-ion battery pack and a 15.9kW electric motor which is good that produces 54hp/120Nm. The vehicle will have a driving range of 147km on a single charge, and it will charge up from 0-80% in an hour. The company claims that charging the vehicle will take up just 6 hours with a regular charger but the driving range is to be around 375 km.
Cost
The Mahindra eKUV100 will get a starting price tag of Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will get likes of Hyundai Kona, Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV.