The Mahindra eKUV100 was slated to make its market debut before the end of 2020. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain disruption, Mahindra delayed the launch plans to the first half of 2021. But the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country, inducing another lockdown. Therefore, Mahindra pushed the launch plans further into the year.
Now, images of a test mule of the Mahindra eKUV100 have emerged on the internet. This leads us to believe that the brand might be planning a launch soon. The electric vehicle appears to be in the final stages of evaluation and appears in the production-ready avatar. The undisguised test mule gives us a glimpse of what to expect when the production model launches.
Mahindra eKUV100 – Test Mule Spyshots
According to the spy shots, the production model comes with a design similar to the prototype showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. The Mahindra eKUV100 comes with a closed front grille in the production avatar, but there are open lower air intakes that aid cooling to the powertrain components, battery and brakes.
The grille features six arrow-like designs with a blue accent and sweptback headlamps with blue accents on the sides. The left front fender features the charging port under a small rounded door. The brand is also offering a charging port on the right fender to ease parking directions while charging. The taillight also comes with a subtle blue accent, and the number plate garnish comes with a Positive (+) and Negative (-) sign. The production model also gets a new alloy wheel design that appears less aerodynamic than the prototype.
Mahindra eKUV100 – Powertrain and Range
The eKUV100 could come with a 40kW (54.4hp) electric motor that produces 120 Nm of torque. The power unit draws energy from a 15 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack capable of delivering a range of around 150 km on a single charge.
Competition & Price
The Mahindra eKUV100 will compete with the all-electric Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Toyota electric vehicle. Speculations are that Hyundai will also launch an affordable electric car in India. The Mahindra eKUV100 is likely to come with a price tag between INR 8 to 14 lakh.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR Electric is a Toyota EV in disguise