Mahindra, Volkswagen Partner For Electric Vehicle Components
VW and M&M are exploring the use of modular electric drive matrix components for the latter's new 'Born Electric' platform.
Germany's Volkswagen AG and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. have signed a pact to explore the use of modular electric drive matrix components for the Indian automaker's new 'Born Electric' platform.
The Mumbai-based company intends to equip this platform with electric components such as electric motors, battery system components and battery cells, according to a statement released on Thursday. The binding supply contract is planned to be concluded by the end of 2022, it said.
MEB electric platform and its components allow car manufacturers to build their portfolio of electrified vehicles quickly and in a cost-effective manner.
"Together with Mahindra, we want to contribute significantly to the electrification of India--a huge automotive market with enormous growth potential and high relevance for climate protection,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.
Stating that MEB is technologically state-of-the-art and highly competitive in terms of cost, he said it is progressively developing into the leading open platform for e-mobility, generating significant volume and economies of scale. “That's crucial for every company in the EV world and the key to competitive solutions for our customers,” Schmall said.
Industry experts anticipate that in 2030, more than half of all new vehicles will be fully electric, according to the statement. “The complementarity of their (VW's) extensive technology, innovation, and vertical integration in supply chains, will provide a framework to develop our next-gen Born Electric Platform, to be revealed soon in Oxfordshire U.K.," said Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director - auto and farm sectors at M&M.
At present, Volkswagen's MEB electric platform is used by the group brands VW, Audi, Skoda and Ceat/Supra as well as external partners.
