Mahindra eKUV 100 is the electric vehicle that has been launched in India by the Mahindra company. Starting for Rs 8.25 lakh at the ex-showroom, this mini SUV is one of the most affordable cars in India at the present moment. The petrol version of this car already exists and this electric version of this car has a 15.9kWh liquid battery. This kind of battery gives the car its promised range of 147km.
The car also comes with some new features which include connected car tech which enables the air conditioner to set the temperature before settling in the car. Standing against the eKUV is the Tata Tigor EV and also from its own company which is the Mahindra eVerito. It also said that it will take over the upcoming Maruti Suzuki WagonR-based EV.
For commercial use, it was first launched at the Auto Expo 2020 where it was showcased. Images that have been released show a few changes over the ICE counterparts and also include some upgrades on the model.
Design of Mahindra eKUV 100
Displayed at the Auto Expo 2020 the Mahindra eKUV 100 is seen undisguised for the first time and seems production-ready. A few changes can be seen in its ICE counterpart. Moreover, this electric version isn’t much different from its engine-powered version. It looks pretty much the same except for a few changes.
Well, the only visible change that can be seen on the eKUV is that it has a new closed-off front grille. The presence of the grille is to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The design on this grille features a small arrow-shaped insert – six of which are finished in blue, and the two flaps – one on each front fender – that cover the charging ports.
In addition to that is the blue accent on the headlight and taillight. The rear number plate has a quirky ‘+’ and ‘- ‘sign. This helps distinguish it from its combustion engine version KUV. Moving down towards the wheels a difference can be spotted. The pictures taken from the Expo show the different sets of alloy wheels with blue inserts on each of its spokes, Mahindra Electric (ME) badging on the charging flap, and a unique triangular badge on the C-pillar.
The exterior of Mahindra eKUV 100
Much of the exterior has already been discussed but there is on the exterior that is worth discussing. Starting from the front the bumper is smoothly designed with blue accent arrows going both ways from the car badge. The headlight is neatly constructed and has a broad silver line running along the sides of the bonnet. Some blue accent can be seen on it in the shape of an E indicating it to be an electric car. The fog lights are designed quite angularly. Upon opening the bonnet, instead of an engine that would be available in a petrol version, there would be a battery setup.
Mahindra eKUV 100 is quite a small SUV and has 4 doors. For the front, the door handles are where you will normally find them but for the back, the door handles are located on the C-pillar. The doors have a silver lining running from the front door to the back door. The charging ports for this car can be found on the front of the car below the end of the broad silver line. The charging port on the left has the initial ME featured on it which stands for Mahindra electrics.
The rear of the car looks quite decent and much is going on there. Although there are about three sensors visible surrounding the rear number plate area. There is also a single wiper for the back glass. The taillights also have an accent in blue color. The back glass is accompanied by the spoiler that is designed as if it is supported by black panels.
Interior of Mahindra eKUV 100
When it comes to differences between the electric version and the petrol version for Mahindra eKUV 100 interior, not many modifications can be found. It is pretty much the same. The seats are designed and constructed to support the lumbar. The color chosen for the inside of the car is in dual shades. The dashboard and the console are also pretty much the same. If there is anything on the inside that might be different is the connecting tech that allows the car to cool down by turning on the air conditioner before the travelers settle in.
Battery and performance of Mahindra eKUV 100
The battery possessed by this car is a 15.9 kWh battery pack. Mahindra eKUV 100 battery powers the entire single electric motor which provides 54.4hp (40kW) and 120Nm. The time duration for this battery to get 100% is 5 hours and 45 minutes on a regular charger if used from the front right fender. On the other hand, 80% of this battery can be charged in 55 mins using the left fender. The Mahindra company claims that the range promised for this car is up to 150 km max. However, the carmakers of this vehicle are working to extend the range even further by improving the functioning of the battery.
Advance technology in Mahindra eKUV 100
The only advanced technology that has been revealed so far is that it has a connected car tech that allows the riders to get access to the air conditioner before getting and turning it on so the insides get cooled. This is according to the needs of the rider.
Conclusion
Among all the electric cars launched in India, this Mahindra eKUV 100 is said to be the cheapest one and can be afforded easily. It sure does have an amazing connect car tech for the air conditioner but this tech can be used for more things as well. There isn’t much information available on the boot space and judging by the size of the car and the model it won’t be any different from the usual KUV. The carmakers are working on the battery so let’s see what new surprises await us.
