For the first time in a while, the Mahindra eKUV100 has been spotted completely undisguised in its production-spec form. It is essentially an electric version of the KUV100 NXT micro-SUV, which made its first public debut at the 2018 Auto Expo. Earlier, it was supposed to be launched by the end of 2019 but got delayed for various reasons. Now, it is expected to go on sale by early 2022.
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Going by the latest set of spy images, the eKUV100 looks quite similar to its petrol-powered counterpart except for a few cosmetical differences. It features a distinct fully enclosed six-slat grille at the front with a small arrow-shaped insert with blue color highlights. In addition, there are three blue arrowheads on the C-pillar, and quirky + and – signs on the tailgate garnishing. The machine-cut alloy wheels and taillamps also get blue color accents to further distinguish the electric SUV from the regular model. The testing mule also confirms that it will get two charging ports, situated on each front fender.
While the technical details of the upcoming eKUV100 are yet to be revealed, it is expected to be based on Mahindra Electric Scalable Modular Architecture 48 (MESMA 8), which is compatible with both rigid and flexible axle systems allowing operations for commercial as well as private EVs, respectively.
As per the prototype model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, the e-KUV100 is likely to come equipped with a 15.9kWh battery pack that offers a range of 147km on a single charge and supports a fast-charging option that can restore the battery by up to 80 percent in just 55 minutes. However, the brand is also working to improve the battery range.
As for the pricing, Mahindra e-KUV100 is expected to be the most affordable EV on sale in India. As per the previous claims by Pawan Goenka, Managing Director of Mahindra Group, the e-KUV100 would be priced below Rs 9 lakh in the shared mobility sector (commercial). However, for private buyers, the small electric SUV could cost around Rs 11 lakh.
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The eKUV100 will not have any direct competitors at launch. Apart from the e-KUV100, Mahindra will also launch nine new utility vehicles by 2027 in the Indian market, including XUV700 and eXUV300.
