Mahindra’s electric SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, have captured the attention of the Indian market, achieving rapid sales and establishing themselves as popular choices. In just five months since their launch, these models have already recorded sales of 20,000 units and accumulated over 93 million kilometers on Indian roads, underscoring the growing acceptance of EVs among consumers.
The SUVs are built on the INGLO platform and boast a real-world range exceeding 500 kilometers. With DC fast charging capabilities, a quick charge from 20% to 80% can be achieved in approximately 20 minutes, making long trips more practical and accessible.
Focusing on passenger comfort, these SUVs incorporate a flat-floor design, along with an extended wheelbase, to maximize interior space. A generously sized boot simplifies the management of luggage for long journeys. The 5-link independent rear suspension is specially tuned to handle Indian road conditions, enhancing the driving experience.
Performance-wise, the SUVs provide 282bhp of power and 380Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The top speed exceeds 200 km/h. They also feature advanced technologies such as Level 2+ ADAS, a triple-screen cockpit, a 16-speaker audio system, and self-parking functionality.
The Mahindra BE6 and XEV 9e offer drivers substantial cost savings. The running cost is in the range of ₹1.1 to ₹1.8 per kilometer, which is significantly lower compared to petrol and diesel SUVs. The company estimates potential savings of approximately ₹12 lakh over 5 years compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This is due to lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and government subsidies available for EVs.
The running cost estimates are based on electricity rates and the vehicle’s energy consumption. Using an average home charging cost of ₹1.80 per kilometer, the annual fuel expenses would be about ₹36,000. With an average daily driving distance of 60 km and an electricity cost of ₹10 per unit, the running cost of the BE6 is about ₹1.06 per kilometer.