Jio-bp will deploy DC fast chargers for the XUV400, Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) first all-electric C-segment SUV, beginning with 16 cities. The chargers will be installed throughout M&M’s network of dealerships and workshops.
The firms signed a memorandum of understanding last year to study the development of EV goods and services and to explore possibilities in low-carbon and conventional fuels.
This month, M&M introduced its first all-electric C-segment SUV, the XUV400, at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. The firm also made rapid progress toward electrification by announcing its Born Electric Vision, which includes a range of world-class electric SUVs that will be introduced in the country over the next several years. The organisation supports the debut of electric cars with access to a vast infrastructure for rapid charging. To offer EV drivers a broad, accessible, and convenient fast-charging network, M&M has teamed with Jio-bp.
The RIL and bp joint venture is actively extending its Jio-bp pulse branded electric vehicle (EV) charging network by installing charge stations at several contact points inside cities and key roads to facilitate EV owners’ intra-city and inter-city trips. Through a cutting-edge digital platform, this alliance intends to roll out e-mobility solutions spanning discovery, availability, navigation, and transactions to enable all EV drivers to use the M&M partner charging network conveniently.
XUV400 electric SUV
The C-segment SUV XUV400 is a large SUV and a completely new model based on the Ssangyong Tivoli platform. Ssangyong Tivoli and Mahindra XUV300 are based on the same platform. Ssangyong has no competence in electric vehicles and relies on Mahindra Electric for the development.
XUV400 is 4200 mm in length and has a 2600 mm wheelbase, giving a good interior space and legroom and a cargo capacity of 378 litres/418 litres up to the roof. It is also the category’s widest e-SUV at 1821 mm, providing enough shoulder room for passengers. The XUV400’s proportions also offer a distinctive road presence.
The XUV400 is the first Indian-made passenger vehicle with the quickest acceleration in the non-luxury sector. It reaches 100 kilometres per hour from a standstill in only 8.3 seconds and reaches a peak speed of 150 kilometres per hour.
According to Indian driving cycle standards (MIDC), X400 offers a full charge range of 456 kilometres. M&M uses a 39.4kWh battery pack with Li-ion cells, providing rapid charging. The 50kW DC fast charger requires just 50 minutes to complete 80% charging. The battery using a 7.2 kW/32A outlet can be charged from 0% to 100% in 6.5 hours and 13 hours using a conventional 3.3 kW/16A household outlet.
In 2018, M&M announced a partnership with LG Chem to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for the XUV400. This is the first time LG Energy Solution batteries have been used in electric cars manufactured by Mahindra. LG Energy Solution battery is not included with the Mahindra e2O Plus and eVerito electric cars. LG Chem is a supplier to SsangYong Motors.
The XUV400 has a unique accent trim with a slick copper finish. It rides on diamond-cut, high-contrast alloy wheels with a high gloss finish.
Built in partnership with South Korean companies, the XUV400 has a technologically sophisticated ecosystem for speed and competence, including calibration, system integration, and vehicle certification. The XUV400 is installed with high-precision microcontrollers for essential components, such as the intelligent vehicle control unit and battery management system, with good safety compliance per international regulations.
During the unveiling, R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development for M&M Ltd, said that the XUV400 was developed in the company’s R&D facilities in Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai. In addition to testing the car’s fast-charging compatibility (CCS) in many locations, M&M has tested the vehicle worldwide in harsh weather conditions and numerous geographies. The XUV400 is built on M&M’s XUV300 platform, which was a success. Combined with the BlueSense Plus software for managing vehicle functions and status through a mobile application, the XUV400 is a nimble, fashionable e-SUV.
M&M aims to launch “XUV400 Fun Fest” for clients in 16 crucial locations in November. Test drives will start in December 2022, and reservations will begin in the first week of January 2023 at Mahindra dealerships and online. The XUV400 is slated to begin shipping by the end of January 2023. Phase 1 of the rollout would encompass 16 cities, viz. Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Jaipur, Surat, Nagpur, Trivandrum, Nashik, Chandigarh, Kochi.
