The biggest SUV manufacturer in India in terms of sales, Mahindra & Mahindra, intends to add more hybrid technology to its lineup of engine options. According to sources the company is looking at hybrid powertrains to diversify its product line, ranging from powerful hybrids to range extenders.
Hybrids prioritize fuel efficiency by directly powering the wheels with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The majority of range extenders are electric cars that use a gasoline engine just as a generator to recharge the battery and increase the range of electric vehicles.
Project S226 is researching an effective hybrid system for the small SUV 3XO. By 2026, the 3XO hybrid is expected to be on the road.
For the M130 and M330 Inglo platform vehicles that are currently in production, range extender hybrids are being studied. According to sources, the company’s ultimate decision about their use will be based on how the BE 6 and XEV 9E EVs are received. On the INGLO Platform, range extender design and technical development has started. Within the following six to eight months, a final decision regarding a market launch is probably going to be made.
These models might add between 40,000 and 50,000 units a year, giving potential consumers who are considering hybrid vehicles from rival manufacturers further options.