The partnership between Mahindra and Volkswagen has gone a step further; both brands have now finalized the first supply agreement after evaluating the scope of collaboration. As part of this agreement, Volkswagen will supply Mahindra with parts and components from the all-electric MEB platform, such as batteries, battery cells, electric motors etc.
Although neither brand has commented on the lifecycle of this agreement, given that Mahindra plans to roll-out five electric SUVs using this platform, the agreement is expected to last several years, with a total volume of 50 GWh. The first talks between the two brands began in 2022, not long after Mahindra unveiled its ‘Born Electric Vision’ in Europe. The two brands first signed an agreement to evaluate the scope of collaboration, before moving into a deeper technical partnership.
Volkswagen’s all-electric MEB platform is also being used by sister brands Audi and Skoda, as well as external partners such as Ford, and now Mahindra. The MEB platform can spawn a wide range of models and it can also be configured in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options as well. The first Mahindra electric SUV on the INGLO platform is coming in December 2024, with four more models following later. At the unveil of the Thar.e, Mahindra also confirmed the Bolero and Scorpio becoming EVs in the future, so you can take a guess.
However, the MEB platform will make its debut with the Skoda Enyaq, which is set to be launched later this year. The Enyaq was also showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo, interestingly in RHD guise, which means the launch isn’t far away now.
With Volkswagen supplying components to Mahindra, it is going to help the Indian car maker cement its foothold in the EV segment; an area where it has been slow, even after being an early mover; remember the e20 and the e-Verito? The first of the INGLO-platform SUVs is coming in December this year; can you guess what’s coming?
