Mahindra XUV 7XO and XEV 9E SUVs Will Get Hybrid Variants Soon
Hybrid cars have suddenly started gaining popularity among customers, and many brands have also started working on hybrid systems. There are multiple variations of hybrid technology, and we have come across reports lately that suggest brands like Mahindra are planning to bring hybrid cars to the market. What could be the reason behind such a shift? We explain.
Mahindra, as we know, is known for its big diesel engines and SUVs. They currently have a long lineup of diesel, petrol, and electric vehicles. The reason why most brands even considered electric vehicles is because of stricter emission norms. These emission norms are the reason why Mahindra is now considering hybrids too.
The CAFE III (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Phase 3) norms will come into effect from April 1, 2027. The Volume Derogation Factor (VDF) is a regulatory multiplier used in automotive fuel-efficiency standards. It is a super credit that manufacturers use to sell cleaner vehicles. For strong hybrids, the VDF value is 1.6. Plug-in hybrids have a VDF value of 2.5, and range-extender hybrids are given a solid incentive with a VDF of 3.0, which is equal to EVs. All manufacturers will have to comply with CAFE III norms to avoid penalties.
Mahindra, as an SUV manufacturer, mostly offers diesel SUVs. Most of their SUVs use 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre diesel engines. There are 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options on offer as well. Apart from the ICE lineup, they also have a decent-sized EV lineup.
The reason why Mahindra is now considering hybrids is because of EVs. When Mahindra launched its electric vehicles in the market, it had high hopes. However, the sales numbers haven’t matched its targets, and this is forcing the brand to look at additional electrified powertrains to compensate for its large diesel engines while calculating overall emissions scores and ensuring CAFE III compliance. Mahindra is said to be preparing both strong-hybrid and range-extender hybrid systems for the market.
Like all brands, Mahindra might eventually replace the existing diesel engine options on a few models with strong hybrids, as they offer a balance between efficiency and range. Another reason why Mahindra is considering hybrids is because of the difficulties many owners have been facing with charging infrastructure.
While Mahindra is yet to make an official announcement, we have an idea of which models from the brand will be going hybrid soon. As per reports from Autocar, Mahindra is expected to come up with two hybrid SUVs. They are currently being referred to as W613 and W623. According to information available online, these are the hybrid versions of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the XEV 9E. The XUV 7XO hybrid is expected to arrive around 2027, while the XEV 9E-based hybrid is expected to launch by 2028.
The XUV 7XO hybrid is expected to come with a strong-hybrid setup, as it is based on an existing internal-combustion-engine platform. Like most strong hybrids, the system will use a combination of an engine and an electric motor powered by a battery to move the vehicle. This is the same setup seen on cars like the Honda City Hybrid and Maruti Suzuki Victoris. It is expected to be the first hybrid model to launch.
The W623, which is expected to be based on the XEV 9E, will be a series-hybrid vehicle. What this means is that the internal-combustion engine never turns the wheels directly. Instead, it acts exclusively as a generator to power an electric motor or recharge the battery, while the electric motor provides 100 percent of the driving force.
Reports suggest that Mahindra is considering a small 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre engine for this setup, as the INGLO platform was never designed to accommodate a conventional petrol engine or transmission.