To recall, Ford and Mahindra explored a strategic alliance back in 2017 with plans to develop vehicles on common platforms, including a possible compact SUV and the next-generation Ecosport. The JV, which was to see Mahindra having a 51 percent controlling stake, would develop and market vehicles not just for the Indian market, but other developing markets globally.

Alas, the plan didn’t pan out.

With that, Mahindra has instead looked to Europe and Volkswagen to supply them components for their first-ever purpose-built EV platform called INGLO. The INGLO offers a battery capacity ranging from 60 to 80 kilowatt hours and fast-charging of up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

First shown as the Mahindra Born EV concept, it will incorporate parts from Volkswagen’s MEB architecture including the electric drivetrain, the battery system and Volkswagen’s unified cell.

Eventually, the Mahindra electric SUVs will be sold under two brands: XUV and BE. The first of the five electric SUVs will be launched by the end of 2024 in India while other four should be out by 2026.

The final supply agreement will be negotiated in a continued constructive and legally compliant way by the end of 2022.

Regarding the next step towards a possible strategic alliance for India, both companies agree to explore further potential areas of collaboration in the field of e-mobility, including vehicle projects, the localization of battery cell manufacturing and charging and energy solutions for the electric ecosystem in India.

With around three million new vehicles per year, India is one of the five largest automobile markets in the world and along with China, the only region to record an increase in new registrations in the first half of 2022. The electrification of the passenger car segment is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming years.