Mahindra & Mahindra had debuted the eKUV100 EV at the Auto Expo last year. The electric vehicle has been spotted in its production-spec version doing test runs on the Indian roads for the first time. This further confirms that the automaker is likely to launch the eKUV100 sometime next year. The spy shots of the same have been leaked online.
From the images, we could clearly see that the production-spec eKUV100 looks similar to the combustion engine powered KUV100. However, the major difference between the two lies on the front fascia of the vehicle. Upfront, the EV features a new closed-off front grille with a small arrow shaped insert. In addition, it gets two flaps -one on each front fender-that further cover the charging ports. We could also spot blue accents on the headlights and taillights. Moving on, the number plate housing on the tailgate comes with a quirky ‘+’ and ‘-’ sign.
Besides these, there are several differences between the eKUV100 that we had seen at the Auto Expo and the one present here in the images. The version at the Auto Expo had Mahindra Electric (ME) badging on the charging flap, a different set of alloy wheels with blue inserts on each of its spokes, and a unique triangular badge on the C-pillar. However, the one seen in the images misses out on those.
Performance-wise, the eKUV100 comes with a 15.9kWh battery pack paired to a single electric motor that generates 53 bhp power and 120 Nm peak torque. As for the battery, it can be charged to 100 percent in 5hr 45min on a regular charger using the port on the front right fender. Meanwhile, it can be charged to 80 percent in 55min on a fast charger using the port on the front left fender. The battery is being claimed to offer a range of up to 150km. However, Mahindra is working on upgrading the battery to further improve the range.
Once it has been launched, the eKUV100 will not have any direct rivals in the Indian market. But this will not be for too long. As Maruti is working on an all-electric Wagon R. Hyundai, on the other hand, is planning to launch an affordable EV in the country in the near future. As for the pricing, we can expect the eKUV100 to fall in the range of Rs 9 lakhs - Rs 13 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Source: Autocar India
Read Also: Mahindra eKUV100 Price, Features & Specifications
