Volkswagen and Mahindra signed a partnering agreement for MEB electric components. The companies signed the agreement in Chennai on the 18th of May. A binding supply contract between the companies will be concluded by the end of 2022.
Volkswagen and Mahindra’s objective is to electrify the Indian automotive market. The market is one of the most important automotive growth markets. In addition to this, it is also a key element in the global decarbonisation of the mobility sector.
Currently, petrol and diesel-powered cars dominate the Indian market. However, at the 2021 Climate Summit in Glasgow, India declared that it will only register zero-emission passenger cars and vans from 2035. Hence, expect to see electric vehicles in the country grow exponentially.
Volkswagen & Mahindra – Partnership Details
Volkswagen and Mahindra are exploring the use of MEB electric components. Mahindra will use these components for its new “Born Electric Platform”. To aid this process, the companies signed a partnering agreement.
Under the partnership, Mahindra intends to equip its “Born Electric Platform” with MEV electric components such as battery system components, electric motors, and battery cells. Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform uses an open vehicle platform design. This allows car manufacturers to use the MEB electric platform and its components. Using the platform and components, manufacturers can build their portfolio of EVs quickly and cost-effectively.
Mahindra also mentions that it will soon reveal its “Born Electric Platform” in Oxfordshire, UK.
Volkswagen’s MEB Platform – Current Applications
Volkswagen already uses the MEB electric platform on several cars. Other brands from the Volkswagen Group, such as Skoda, Audi and Seat/Cupra, use it as well. Presently, the models using the platform include Audi’s Q4 e-Tron and Q5 e-Tron, Skoda Enyaq, and Cupra Born. This is in addition to Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and the new ID.Buzz.
Also Read: Volkswagen India starts previews for Virtus sedan across the country
