Anand Mahindra and his company Mahindra & Mahindra have made headlines again. Mahindra XUV400 electric made a record of being the first EV to cover a distance of 751 km within 24 hours, in sub-zero temperatures.
Electric mobility is gaining market share in India. The largest Indian carmakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra are manufacturing their fair share of EVs. EVs are more energy efficient. ICEs (Internal Combustion Engine) consume more energy traveling the same distance as an EV. The average Internal Combustion Engine has a fuel efficiency of only 40%, 60% is lost via heat and friction.
Last year on Independence Day, Mahindra showcased its future range of EVs. Though the company took its time, the first product in the EV category is the XUV400 EV. The model XUV400 EV is based on the already successful XUV300 compact SUV.
XUV400 EV is significantly larger than the ICE counterpart and its latest achievement is praiseworthy.
The record-worthy Sub-Zero Drive of the Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra XUV400 underwent an endurance test in the sub-zero temperatures in the Himalayas. The drive commenced from the rough but beautiful landscapes of Kyelang (Keylong), Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most treacherous roads which falls on the Manali-Leh highway. It is the most visited Himalayan terrain in the country. In just 24 hours the XUV400 was able to complete 750 km.
The car’s performance was effortless as it smoothly accelerated and overtook other cars zig-zagging across steep inclines with little or no jerks. The performance of the vehicle was quite remarkable.
The tax rebate under 4 m in length isn’t valid for the XUV400 as it is an EV. Therefore, the length of the SUV is 4.2 m which makes way for acres of space inside the cabin of the electric SUV. Hence, the only issue that the regular XUV300 has, which is the boot space is resolved by this. The boot space of the XUV400 is 378 liters.
Therefore, it gets the upper hand over the Nexon EV in terms of almost every feature. Tata Nexon EV is the primary rival of the Mahindra electric SUV, the base-spec variants of XUV400 could be offered at around Rs 17 lakh or even lower to improve competencies against Nexon EV.
The proud Chairman of the Mahindra group, Anand Mahindra reacted to the XUV400 completing a 750 km drive in sub-zero temperatures in 24 hours on Twitter
A tweet was shared by the Twitter account @rushlane, which said,
Mahindra XUV400 electric becomes the first EV to cover a distance of 751 kms within 24 hours, in sub-zero temperature.
New Record!!!
The drive started from Kyelang, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh and covered a distance of 751 kms in 24 hours.
Mahindra XUV400 electric becomes the first EV to cover a distance of 751 kms within 24 hours, in sub-zero temperature.
New Record!!!
The drive started from Kyelang, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh and covered a distance of 751 kms in 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/ytjBNyrxBT
XUV400 will be using in-house manufactured batteries to keep costs in check. These will be manufactured by Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd. in collaboration with Mahindra. To ensure XUV400’s success, the SUV will be getting a range of segment-first and best-in-class features.
Some key features of the new Mahindra vehicle include an extensive touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, 7 airbags, and an adjustable steering wheel. Drive modes – Fun, Fast and Fearless. Another intriguing feature is ‘Lively’ mode, specially designed for negotiating heavy traffic.