Mahindra will launch new variants of its electric flagship SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, after filing for homologation for new battery and trim combinations. The development follows a circular from the Delhi Transport Department, reported by ETDigital which means that the bigger 79kWh battery pack will not just be restricted to the higher trims – thus, providing more flexibility, and the smaller battery pack (59kWh) will be available on the top-spec. The strategic shift is likely to broaden the appeal of the popular EVs.
The most direct alterations are to the Mahindra XEV 9e coupe-SUV. Before, the 79kWh long-range battery was only available on the top-end ‘Pack Three’, with all lower-grade versions featuring the 59kWh battery. Under the new filings, Mahindra will sell the 79kWh battery with the ‘Pack Three Select’ variant, and the 59kWh battery with the pack-three trim.
“Today, we’re excited to introduce new Model 3 options, including a lower cost, mid-range battery version of Model 3 that is focused on product simplicity, while driving the costs down, and new Model 3 standard battery that brings our most affordable car yet to the market,” the company said in a statement.
“As Model 3 production and sales continue to grow rapidly, we’ve achieved a steady volume in manufacturing capacity, allowing us to diversify our product offering to even more customers.” The announcement addresses customer priorities head on, as a number of buyers have said they’d rather have more range over optional features.
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Mahindra makes long-distance electric travel available by providing the larger battery at a lesser, cheaper trim. Conversely, making the high-spec ‘Pack Three’ ever available with the smaller battery, including high-priced features such as an ADAS suite and a head-up display, might help make it a little more competitively priced.
Though there are less detailed about the Mahindra BE 6, the changes should be making its way into that company’s lineup soon as well. In any of its five existing versions – Hat Pack One, Hat Pack One Above, Hat Pack Two, Hat Pack Three Select, Hat Pack Three – and with your choice of two batteries. The 59kWh battery makes 231hp and the 79kWh offers 286hp.
The BE 6 and XEV 9e both are based on Mahindra’s advanced INGLO platform, and have been welcomed warmly in the market since their foray. The BE 6 starts at ₹18.90 lakh, the XEV 9e costs ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Though unconfirmed, these new versions are likely to hit the streets by the festive season, though Mahindra is yet to make an announcement.