Mahindra unveils dedicated EV manufacturing, battery assembly facility in Chakan

The Mahindra BE 6 and the Mahindra XEV 9e will be produced at the new facility.

Homegrown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra today unveiled a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and battery assembly facility at its Chakan plant. The company's electric-origin SUVs, the Mahindra BE 6 and the Mahindra XEV 9e, will be produced at this facility.

Mahindra has allocated Rs 4,500 crore out of the total Rs 16,000 crore planned in the FY22–F27 investment cycle, which includes powertrain development, and two product top hats, including software and tech and manufacturing capacity.

The company's EV manufacturing hub is claimed to be a fully integrated, highly automated manufacturing ecosystem, which leverages over 1,000 robots and multiple automated transfer systems. The EV facility also targets a 25% gender diversity ratio.

EV plant

• A footprint of around 88,000 square metre for the EV domain.
• Utilises a fully automated press shop, an AI-driven body shop and one of India's most sophisticated robotic paint shops to optimise quality and efficiency.
• Deploys over 500 robots and fully automated transfer systems in body shop, all monitored via an IoT-based 'Nerve Center' for real-time process insights and end-to-end traceability.
• Adopts Industry 4.0 tech, AMRs (autonomous mobile robot), and AGVs for material movement.

Battery assembly

• Operates as one of the world's most compact battery manufacturing lines, employing patented processes and lean module assembly.
• This fully automated plant integrates manufacturing processes developed and implemented indigenously to produce/store/transfer high-performance, long-lasting batteries using industry 4.0 tech.
• Employs a patented pallet design for optimal insulation and geometric accuracy, plus hidden cell terminal welding for enhanced connectivity and robust performance.
• Performs multi-layered end-of-line testing simulating real-world conditions, backed by IP67 ingress protection, real-time temperature monitoring, and automated anomaly isolation.
• Implements a no-fault-forward strategy coupled with proprietary switching technology, that underscores superior product quality and reliability.
• Reinforces Mahindra’s pledge to deliver durability, safety, and peace of mind through best-in-class battery solutions tailored for electric mobility.

Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e

Based on the electric-only INGLO platform, the BE 6 and the XEV 9e were launched in India in November 2024. While the BE 6 is priced between Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the XEV 9e sits in the price bracket of Rs 21.90 lakh to Rs 30.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Both electric SUVs have two battery pack options -- 59kWh and 79kWh. There are a couple of motor options -- 170kW/380Nm and 210kW/380Nm. The claimed range is 683km for the BE 6 and 656km for the XEV 9e. With a 175kW DC charger, the battery can be juiced from 20% to 80% in under 20 minutes.

On February 14, Mahindra will open bookings for the top-spec Pack Three 79kWh of the BE 6 and the XEV 9e. Deliveries are set to commence in early March.