While Mahindra is focussing heavily on its Electric Origin SUVs, the company hasn’t given up on combustion engine-powered vehicles, and isn’t likely to do so in the distant future. However, the homegrown carmaker can adopt different means of electrification for its ICE range which includes hybrids, to meet upcoming strict emission standards.
According to Autocar India, Mahindra plans to expand its powertrain line-up to include various hybrid technologies. The report mentions the development of multiple types of hybrid powertrains from strong hybrids to range extenders, which will widen the company’s portfolio.
Mahindra working on hybrid powertrains
The Chakan-based carmaker is reportedly contemplating on a strong hybrid system for the compact XUV 3XO. Internally codenamed S226, this project is expected to see the daylight by 2026. Mahindra is looking at employing the current 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol on the XUV 3XO engine with a hybrid setup. This engine has plenty of space to fit all the systems required to make it a petrol-electric strong hybrid.
Besides the strong hybrid option on XUV 3XO, Mahindra is also exploring the option of range extender hybrids for the existing INGLO platform. The upcoming models, codenamed M130 and M330, will employ a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system. This system combines an electric motor and battery with a small petrol engine. The combustion engine primarily functions as a generator, charging the battery to extend the vehicle’s overall driving range.
The report says that the decision to go forward with this project will depend on the response to the recently unveiled BE 6 and XEV 9e. The company has started a technical development on integrating the range extender technology into the INGLO platform. A final call will be taken after the market launch of both the coupe electric SUVs, in the next 6-8 months.
Range extenders are essentially electric vehicles with a built-in gasoline generator. This generator exclusively recharges the battery, extending the vehicle’s range beyond what’s possible with electric power alone. These models could potentially boost annual sales by 40,000 to 50,000 units.
Source: Autocar India
