Mahindra KUV100 Electric launch in first half of 2020

Expect the production-spec KUV100 Electric to feature a new powertrain and some cosmetic changes and be priced below ₹10 lakh.

Dr Pawan Goenka (MD - Mahindra & Mahindra) today announced some significant future targets of Mahindra's electric mobility division – Mahindra Electric. In one of them, he's confirmed that the much-awaited and much-delayed electric version of the KUV100 hatchback (shown at the 2018 Auto Expo as the eKUV100) is set to launch in the first quarter of the upcoming fiscal year. In simple terms, expect the eKUV100 to arrive in the first half of 2020. Mr Goenka had previously announced that the car would be launched by mid-2019, although that did not happen.

So, what can you expect from the eKUV100? Firstly, the production-spec car is likely to bear a different moniker. Second, there won't be too many visual changes on the electric derivative. While the body panels are expected to be shared with the regular KUV100, some EV-specific changes like the '+ME' badging, a closed grille, and some blue/chrome accents are likely. Inside too, the main changes will be done on the instrument cluster to accommodate standard EV range read-outs.

As for the powertrain, we know that the eKUV100 shown at the 2018 Auto Expo shared its powertrain with the e-Verito. However, the production version is likely to get a new setup, with a 40kW (53.6bhp) motor that puts out 120Nm of torque. In comparison, the eVerito is powered by a 31kW (41.5bhp) motor that puts out 91Nm.

As for the price, expect Mahindra to launch the electric KUV100 below the ₹10 lakh mark (ex-showroom). After the KUV100, Mahindra is keen on launching an electric version of the XUV300 as well. And although it's launch will only take place in 2021, it will be revealed at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020.

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