Mahindra is preparing to enter a new phase in its pursuit of electrification, and the company’s next move may not involve just the production of entirely battery-powered SUVs. While the XUV 7XO is set to consider a strong-hybrid powertrain, the XEV 9e should also be looking at a different electrification path, which would include a petrol engine as a range extender.
The most intriguing of these is the strong-hybrid version of the XUV 7XO – a concept that replaces the need for a giant battery with a petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery array. The system can allow for the XUV to function in a purely electric manner when the circumstances permit, while also utilising the petrol engine to provide greater power and range.
Such a proposition can prove to be more attractive to Indian buyers, who are looking to cut down on their fuel bills without having to switch completely to an all-electric vehicle. While charging infrastructure is improving rapidly, long-distance travel as well as the limitations posed by apartment parking and charging are things that should be considered by SUV customers. A strong hybrid can provide a compromise without asking them to change their driving habits.
For Mahindra, the XUV 7XO can prove to be an interesting test for the potential hybrid technology has in complementing its expanding EV portfolio. While the company has the BE 6 and the XEV 9e, the development of a hybrid XUV 7XO would appeal to different customers than those that would buy an all-electric SUV.
The interesting twist is that Mahindra’s electrification path is not a singular one. While the company is considering a strong-hybrid system for the XUV 7XO, the XEV 9e is also being eyed for a more unconventional range-extender configuration. In a range-extender system, the petrol engine is used as a generator to provide power to the electric motor, and differs to a conventional hybrid system in doing so. This can prove to be another viable option, with many manufacturers utilising range-extending systems as a method of reducing reliance on the engine for propulsion.
This diversification can prove to be crucial as India’s SUV markets move towards electrification. While an all-electric vehicle would provide zero tailpipe emissions and impressive performance over a petrol-powered vehicle, hybrids can provide a useful middle ground for customers who are concerned about the limitations posed by charging infrastructure.
The strong-hybrid version of the XUV 7XO can also provide Mahindra with an opportunity to compete more directly in the growing premium hybrid SUV space. Rather than dismissing hybrid vehicles as an outdated technology, manufacturers are utilising them as a bridge between the traditional internal-combustion vehicle, and the all-electric vehicle of the future.
However, Mahindra has not yet confirmed the final production specifications, pricing or launch timeline for the XUV 7XO strong hybrid, nor have they committed to the XEV 9e range-extender project. The technology is still in its infancy, and the final powertrain configuration can change before either system hits the market.
What makes Mahindra’s strategy interesting is that the company is preparing for multiple versions of India’s electrified future. While some customers may opt for an all-electric vehicle, others may find the prospect of a strong hybrid to be more appealing, while not relying entirely on the charging infrastructure. A range-extender SUV can fall somewhere in the middle, and can prove to be an interesting alternative for buyers.
For now, the XUV 7XO strong hybrid is the development to watch for Mahindra, if it wishes to expand its footprint in India’s hybrid SUV market. If it does hit the market, it can be a sign of the company’s ambition to expand its electrification strategy, while also providing buyers with another option outside of petrol, diesel and full-electric powertrains.
In other words, Mahindra’s next big electrification battle may not involve just battery-powered vehicles. The XUV 7XO strong hybrid can signal the company’s attempt to embrace hybrid technology as part of its future SUV strategy.