Volkswagen brings MEB electric components to India
The two automotive groups Volkswagen and Mahindra are exploring the use of MEB components in Mahindra's new "Born Electric Platform"
. Both sides announced that they have signed a cooperation agreement to evaluate the scope of the collaboration. According to the agreement, Mahindra will equip its Born Electric Platform with MEB components such as an electric motor, battery system components and battery cells. The cooperation agreement sets the framework for the further evaluation of the cooperation - it contains binding rules for the evaluation phase as well as the non-binding scope of supply. A binding supply agreement is to be drawn up constructively and in conformity with the law by the end of 2022.
The common goal of the two companies is the electrification of the Indian automotive market, one of the most important automotive growth markets and a key element for the global decarbonisation of the mobility sector. Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB and its components enable automakers to quickly and economically electrify their model range.
"Mahindra is an electric pioneer in India and a strong partner for our MEB electric platform. Together with Mahindra, we want to make a significant contribution to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with enormous growth potential and great importance for climate protection," says Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components. He added that the collaboration is further proof that the MDB is both technologically and economically competitive. "It is increasingly becoming the leading open platform for e-mobility, achieving significant volume and scale effects. In the world of e-mobility, this is key for any company and key to providing competitive solutions for our customers."
Commenting on the partnership, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said: "We are delighted to have secured Volkswagen, a major global investor in the field of electric mobility, as a strategic partner to help us achieve our ambitious Born Electric Vision. Their extensive expertise in technology, innovation and vertical supply chain integration complements our capabilities and provides the framework for the development of our next generation Born Electric Platform, which we will soon unveil in Oxfordshire, UK. Our teams in India, the UK and Detroit are passionate about building a breathtaking future."
India is one of the five largest automotive markets in the world, with around three million new vehicles sold every year. Current forecasts suggest that the market could grow to as many as five million vehicles by 2030. So far, the market has been dominated by vehicles with diesel or petrol engines. However, at the UN climate summit in Glasgow in 2021, India committed to only allowing zero-emission new vehicles from 2035. The electrification of the passenger car segment is therefore likely to gain significant momentum in the coming years. Industry experts assume that by 2030 more than half of all new vehicles will be pure e-cars.
The MEB electric platform is already being used by the Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat/Cupra Group brands as well as by external partners. Responsibility for these partnerships lies with the newly created "Platform Business" unit.