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      Tata Punch Electric Spied Again – Interiors Get Tiago EV Parts

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      Tata Punch Electric SpiedTata Motors has plans to launch 4 new EVs in the coming months – Punch EV is one of themThe electric vehicle (EV) landscape in India is evolving at a rapid pace, and Tata Motors is making sure they stay at the forefront of this revolution. The latest addition to Tata’s electrified lineup is the much-anticipated Punch Electric, set to compete with the likes of the Citroen eC3 and MG Comet EV upon its launch.Sneak Peek at the Punch ElectricTata’s strategy of electrifying its popular ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) models has proven successful, as evidenced by the popularity of the Nexon, Tiago, and Tigor EVs. Now, it’s Punch’s turn to embrace electric power.Tata Punch Electric SpiedRecent spy shots of the Punch Electric which were clicked while it was being charged at a public EV station have generated considerable excitement. Notably, the charging port is positioned on the front bumper, discreetly tucked beneath the grille. Beyond this distinctive feature, the overall design of the front fascia remains consistent with the ICE version, maintaining the distinctive Tata styling.Moving along the sides, Punch EV test mule sports squared wheel arches, chunky side cladding, and alloy wheels reminiscent of those found on the Tata Tiago and Tigor. At the rear, the Punch Electric showcases an extended roof spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp, a rear wiper, and LED taillights, adding a touch of sportiness to its appearance.Tata Punch Electric SpiedEvolution of the InteriorEarlier this year, leaked interior images of the Punch Electric hinted at some substantial changes. While the dashboard layout remained similar, a redesigned center console featured an electronic parking brake, armrest, and a jewel rotary gear selector dial, akin to the one found in the Nexon EV. However, the latest spy shots of the Punch Electric’s interiors reveal a different interior design direction. The rotary knob seems to be borrowed from the Tiago EV, accompanied by a manual hand brake.Tata Punch Electric SpiedPerformance and RangeWhile official details are still under wraps, it’s anticipated that the Punch Electric will offer a competitive range of around 300 kilometers on a single charge. For context, the Tiago EV is available in two variants, one offering a 250 km range and the other an impressive 315 km range.Tata Punch Electric SpiedIn a segment where range anxiety can be a concern, a 300 km range should provide a comfortable buffer for most urban and suburban commutes. The Punch Electric is also likely to feature multiple driving modes, including Eco, City, and Sport, catering to various driving preferences. Battery packs for the Punch Electric could be similar to those used in the Tiago EV.Price and CompetitionAs for pricing, the Punch Electric is expected to be competitively priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. This pricing strategy is crucial as it positions Punch Electric as an attractive option in the growing Indian EV market. It’s poised to go head-to-head with upcoming rivals like the Hyundai Exter EV, further intensifying the competition in the entry-level EV segment.Source More

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      Tesla Spied Inside Mahindra Plant – Benchmarking Upcoming Electric SUVs?

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      Tesla spied inside Mahindra plantMahindra aims to beat Tata Motors to become the No 1 EV brand – They are getting ready to launch a range of new electric SUVS in IndiaIn the fast-evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), automakers are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to stay competitive. Mahindra, the Indian automotive giant, is no exception. As the world transitions towards sustainable transportation, Mahindra is making significant strides in the EV sector with the development of several new electric SUVs under its BE, XUV.e, Thar.e, Scorpio.e, and Bolero.e lineups. To ensure that their upcoming EVs stand out in the market, it seems that Mahindra has chosen to benchmark them against a formidable rival – the Tesla Model Y.The Mystery Unveiled: Tesla Model Y at Mahindra’s Pune FacilityIn recent times, eagle-eyed observers at Carversal spotted a Tesla Model Y inside Mahindra’s Pune facility, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about the reasons behind this unexpected alliance. Among the upcoming Mahindra e-SUVs, the XUV.e8 is slated for a December 2024 launch, followed by the XUV.e9 in April 2025, BE.05 in October 2025, and BE.07 in April 2026, to name a few. This sighting of the Model Y on Mahindra’s turf has led to speculation that Mahindra is keen on benchmarking the Tesla SUV, particularly its exceptional aerodynamic profile, which boasts a remarkable 0.23 Cd (drag coefficient).Tesla Model Y spotted inside the Mahindra PlantA vehicle’s aerodynamics play a pivotal role in its overall performance, more so for electric vehicles. The lower the drag coefficient (Cd), the less resistance a vehicle encounters as it moves through the air. Tesla’s Model Y, with its astonishing 0.23 Cd, currently holds the crown as the most aerodynamically efficient electric SUV in the market. To put this in perspective, other popular e-SUVs like the Mustang Mach-E (0.3 Cd), Jaguar i-Pace (0.29 Cd), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (0.288 Cd), Audi e-Tron, and Kia EV6 (0.28 Cd), and the Mercedes-Benz EQC (0.27 Cd) fall behind.Why might this focus on aerodynamics matter to Mahindra? The answer may lie in their ambitious plans to develop their first-ever coupe model, the XUV800 Coupe, which will also have an electric variant, the XUV.e9 Coupe. Streamlining the shape and design of these vehicles for improved aerodynamic efficiency can translate into several advantages, such as enhanced top speed, extended range (for both internal combustion engine and electric versions), and overall improved efficiency. While there could be various other reasons for Mahindra’s interest in the Model Y, prioritizing aerodynamics aligns with global automotive practices.New Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV CoupeComparing the Dimensions and SpecificationsTesla’s Model Y, the smallest SUV in its portfolio, measures 4750 mm in length, 1978 mm in width, 1624 mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2890 mm, with a ground clearance of 167 mm. It features a battery pack of up to 81 kWh, with the Long Range AWD model delivering an impressive 525 km of range on a single charge.Mahindra’s upcoming electric SUVs, on the other hand, promise similar attributes, with up to 80 kWh battery capacity and a twin-motor AWD setup that’s expected to provide around 675 km of range. While the specifics may differ slightly, the resemblance in performance characteristics is apparent.Tesla’s Prospects in IndiaIt’s worth noting that Tesla has been having discussions with the Indian government about establishing a new manufacturing facility in India. There are also rumours about the possibility of Tesla assembling Model S, 3, X, and Y locally. This aligns with India’s push for electric mobility and its goal to become a significant player in the global EV market.Image Source More

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      Renault’s Roaring Roadmap: 6-9 Launches with an Electric Car

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      Renault Kwid EVShaping the Future: Renault’s Ambitious 6-9 Vehicle Launch Strategy. Big Focus on Small Electric CarFor a long time, Renault has been in a defensive position in Indian automotive market. If we take a look at July 2023 car sales, Renault sold 3,607 units with its portfolio of three vehicles. Said three vehicles are Kwid, Kiger and Triber. Renault’s sales halved YoY and decreased by 33.82% MoM in July 2023.The company is working on introducing EVs to its portfolio. A recent publication mentions a senior Renault executive indicating a potential launch of a small EV in 2024/2025. If we take a look at global markets, a rebadged Dacia Spring with Renault branding fits the bill perfectly.Renault’s Electrification Charge: Dacia Spring version for IndiaSimilar to Dacia Duster, we might see Dacia Spring in India with Renault branding. Considering that Kwid already has a brand recall in India, Kwid EV name makes a lot of sense. Dacia Spring gets Kwid’s underpinnings. It packs a 26.8 kWh Li-ion battery and promises a WLTP certified range of 225 km from a single charge.There is just one electric motor in the vehicle delivering 45 bhp of power and 125 Nm of torque. When launched in India, it will go head-to-head with MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV. As of now, MG Comet is the most affordable electric car in India and it packs a 17.3 kWh battery promising 230 km of range from a single charge. Launch might be scheduled in 2024. Pricing would play a grand role in Renault India’s EV step-up.How CMF-A Platform Powers Renault’s Electric VisionWe have covered test mules of Kiger EV before. There’s the Rs. 5300 Crore investment between Renault India and Nissan Motor that will aid in bringing in new cars. Renault’s MD Venkatram Mamillapalle said the company intends to launch between 6-9 new vehicles in India within the next few years. Likely between 2024 and 2026.This plan includes mid-life updates to current models in 2024 and new B-segment SUVs owing to their immense popularity. New variations of existing vehicles could imply Nissan’s Triber counterpart as one such derivative. Alongside, EVs are of significance.Said EVs will get CMF-A platform. As with Renault’s approach, localisation is a key focus area. And to start with the company aims for 55-60% localisation in the beginning.Source More

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      Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV Coupe New Spy Shots – Sporty Side

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      New Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV CoupeMahindra will launch a new range of electric SUVs in India – Starting with the BE05 SUV coupe in Oct 2025Mahindra BE05 is in close-to-production form. New spy shots offer a sneak peek into the future of electric mobility from the Indian manufacturer. Set to be unleashed onto the market by October 2025, the Mahindra BE.05 is poised to make a significant impact in the world of electric SUVs.Sporty Design – A new direction for MahindraThe latest spy shots of the Mahindra BE05 reveal a design that strikes a balance between sportiness and functionality. Moving forward, the BE.05 exhibits a sculpted bonnet and a sharply raked front windshield, giving it a dynamic and aerodynamic appearance. Towards the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated LED lightbar adorns the tailgate, not only enhancing its sporty appeal but also improving its aerodynamics.New Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV CoupeOne of the standout features is a massive panoramic glass roof that promises to provide an open and airy feel to the cabin. Although it’s not clear from the images whether this roof will be openable or fixed, it undoubtedly adds a touch of elegance to the vehicle.Peeking inside the BE05, we catch a glimpse of its modern and futuristic interior. Building on the concept’s design, the production version features a driver-centric layout with a wraparound effect. Twin screens, likely for infotainment and instrument cluster purposes, dominate the dashboard, highlighting the vehicle’s tech-savvy nature.Mahindra Electrified SUVs – Launch TimelineCutting-Edge Powertrain and Battery TechnologyBE.05 is built on Mahindra’s INGLO platform and will be available in both 2WD and 4WD variants. Powering this electric marvel are motors sourced from Volkswagen. The 2WD models boast a rear-mounted motor with a robust 210 kW (286 hp) and 535 Nm of torque, ensuring impressive performance. On the other hand, the 4WD models are equipped with an additional front axle motor, delivering 80 kW (109 hp) and 135 Nm. While the combined system output has yet to be officially disclosed, Mahindra has assured that these powertrains are in advanced stages of testing and development.In the energy department, the BE.05 relies on a 79 kWh battery unit featuring LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells. This choice of cells is a significant departure from the NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry used in Mahindra’s XUV400. LFP cells are known for their greater energy density, slower discharge rate, reduced risk of thermal propagation, and rapid charging capabilities. Notably, the BE.05 can charge from 0 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, which is an impressive feat for an electric vehicle.A Rivalry with upcoming Tata Curvv EVWhen the Mahindra BE.05 is finally launched in October 2025, it will occupy a premium position above the XUV400 EV in the company’s lineup. In terms of competition, it’s gearing up to take on the Tata Curvv EV, set to hit the market in 2024. This rivalry promises to be a defining moment in the Indian electric SUV segment, with both manufacturers vying for the attention of eco-conscious and tech-savvy consumers.As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, Mahindra’s BE.05 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and cutting-edge technology. With its sporty design, advanced powertrain, and fast-charging capabilities, this electric SUV coupe is poised to make waves in the automotive industry when it arrives on the scene in 2025, offering a compelling option for those looking to embrace the electric future of transportation. More

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      Kia EV4 Spied For First Time – Compact Electric SUV (Seltos, Creta Size)

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      New Kia EV4 electric SUV spiedKia EV4 electric SUV will take on the likes of Maruti EVX and Mahindra BE.05 upon launchIn recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a monumental shift towards sustainability and electrification. As the world grapples with the environmental challenges posed by traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, automakers are stepping up their game to introduce innovative and eco-friendly alternatives. Among these forward-thinking manufacturers is Kia, a brand renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge technology and design.We know about the 11 EVs that Kia showcased in November 2021. Out of these eleven new models, Kia had promised some derivatives of existing petrol / diesel powered cars and some will be dedicated EVs built on all new platform. To be more precise, 3 dedicated and 1 derivative passenger EVs, 4 dedicated and 2 derivative recreational EVs and 1 derivative commercial EV.New Kia EV4 electric SUV spiedKia EV4 Spied Testing For First TimeAs of now, Kia has launched Niro EV, Soul EV and EV6 across multiple markets. Kia showcased production model of EV9 (Telluride equivalent) and teased concept model of EV5, which will sit below the EV6. Ahead of global debut of Kia EV5, which is set for later this month, a new test mule of Kia has been spied in South Korea. This is believed to be the upcoming Kia EV4.Kia EV4 will sit below the Kia EV5. Looking at the spy shots, this test mule looks very much similar in size to the Seltos compact SUV that is on sale in India. This new test mule has almost the same windscreen, A-pillars, ORVMs, bonnet and even front doors. However, there are different LED DRL signatures with both vehicles.New Kia EV4 electric SUV vs SeltosWheels are starkly different too. Kia EV4 sports aero wheels to maximise efficiency. Apart from that we can see cutouts for front parking sensors and a radar module for ADAS suite. Rear is where we see stark differences with both models. For starters, rear doors are different because of rear roofline shape. Rear gets a sleek LED signature for tail lights that take up almost half of tailgate. These tail lights match Kia’s design language used with its EVs like EV6.New Kia EV4 electric SUV vs SeltosInteriors, Safety featuresOn the inside, expect a minimalistic approach with less buttons and more screens. Layout will be modern with intelligent usage of space aiming to deliver maximum possible roominess and comfort in the segment. Expect the interior design to be inspired by the EV6.Other features on offer could be a high-resolution infotainment system that offers seamless smartphone integration, navigation, over-the-air updates, and access to real-time vehicle information. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) enhance safety by providing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking.Kia EV4 Battery Pack and RangeKia EV4 is likely to feature around 50 kWh to 60 kWh battery pack delivering a claimed range of about 500 km on a single charge. To keep prices competitive, expect a single motor layout, driving the front wheels. This same powertrain and battery pack could be used to power the upcoming Creta EV, which has already been spied testing in India. Potential rivals to the upcoming Kia EV4 include a range of upcoming EVs like Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, Mahindra BE.05, etc. Launch expected in 2025.Source More

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      BYD Seagull Electric Car (Tiago EV Rival) – Trademarked In India

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      BYD SeagullBYD Seagull comes with a 38 kWh battery pack with a claimed 405 km of range – It is likely to be priced in the Rs 10 lakh rangeBYD is the leading electric car manufacturer in the world. Not only their electric cars are in demand, but their Blade Battery cells are also in equally high demand. Mahindra has revealed that their upcoming range of electric SUVs will be powered by BYD’s Blade battery. BYD is a Chinese car brand which sells Atto 3 electric SUV in India. They have plans to launch new electric cars in India.In a previous post, we have covered BYD Sea Lion trademarked in India. In this post, we will take a look at another BYD product that the company has trademarked in India. Of course we’re talking about BYD Seagull that is currently making a lot of noise globally, for the VFM (value for money) quotient that it brings to the EV segment.BYD Seagull trademarkedBYD Seagull TrademarkedIn China, BYD has priced it between CNY 78,000 and CNY 95,800 at launch. This roughly translates to around Rs. 9.4 lakh and Rs. 11.4 lakh respectively. But considering price wars in the Chinese EV market, they usually retail for much less. Price seems to be alright. However, it will lend new perspectives as soon as we bring powertrain numbers into the equation.It gets a 38 kWh battery that is good enough for a claimed 405 km of range. There is a 70 kW motor (94 bhp) and the top speed is 130 km/h. Unlike MG Comet (rebadged Wuling Air EV), BYD Seagull is a proper practical EV with five-door layout and genuine space in rear seats.BYD Seagull interiorBYD Seagull measures 3780 mm long, 1715 mm wide, 1540 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. This puts it directly in line against India’s best selling electric car – Tata Tiago EV’s dimensions. Unlike the Tiago EV, BYD offers a tonne of flash value as well. There are projector headlights, connected LED tail lights, and stylish alloy wheels with rear disc brakes too.[embedded content]On the inside, BYD Seagull is a tech fest with a 5-inch instrument console and a 12.8-inch main infotainment screen. Features include a flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls, a smart layered dashboard, a powered driver’s seat, a neatly integrated wireless charging pad and more.Will it launch in India?Just because BYD has trademarked it in India, it is not confirmation that we will see Seagull on our roads soon. If that was the case, Honda should have had a robust 2W lineup in India. But we are optimistic for the world’s largest EV maker to see India as a future potential market and launch more affordable vehicles to fortify its grounds.BYD Seagull is a part of the company’s Ocean Series consisting of Sea Lion SUV (recently trademarked), Dolphin and Seal sedan (showcased in India). Seagull gets BYD’s e-platform 3.0 skateboard and if launched in India, we can expect more products with this platform in the future. More

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      BYD Sea Lion Electric SUV Trademarked In India – 700 Km Range

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      BYD Sea Lion electric SUV spiedWith advanced features and range of around 700 km, BYD Sea Lion is a mid-size electric SUVBYD (Build Your Dreams) is a leading global manufacturer of electric vehicles. Counting BEVs plus PHEVs together, BYD was ahead of Tesla in overall sales in 2022. In Indian market, BYD currently offers the Otto 3 five-seater electric SUV.With the Indian market expected to witness higher EV sales in coming years, BYD is planning to expand its portfolio. The company has trademarked ‘Sea Lion’ name in India. With more products, BYD will also be looking to challenge Tesla. The latter is likely to start manufacturing in India soon. Tesla had recently leased 5,850 sq. ft. of office space in Pune.BYD Sea Lion electric SUV – registered in IndiaBYD Sea Lion – what to expect?BYD is testing a new model abroad, which is expected to be the Sea Lion SUV. It will be a midsize electric SUV, nearing 4,770 mm in length. It will be 1,910 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall and have a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. BYD Sea Lion will be positioned above the Atto 3 electric SUV. As compared to Atto 3, upcoming BYD Sea Lion is 315 mm longer, 35 mm wider and 5 mm taller. Sea Lion has 180 mm of additional wheelbase. It is likely to be underpinned by BYD’s e-platform 3.0.Spotted Sea Lion test mule reveals a sporty design, with top-mounted headlamps, rugged bumper and a trapezoidal grille section. LED DRLs appear to be placed below the headlamps. The SUV has a coupe-like tapering roofline, one of its signature features.BYD Sea Lion electric SUV spiedAs evident from the test mule, the SUV has a 5-seat arrangement. It is possible that the SUV could get blacked-out B and C pillars. At rear, the SUV gets an aggressive roof mounted spoiler, heavily raked windshield and prominent bumper. Tail lights have the same design as that of the headlamps.BYD Sea Lion electric SUV spiedInside, BYD Sea Lion electric SUV is expected to get a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The test mule can be seen with a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls. One can also notice the small-sized drive selector. Something similar was earlier spotted with upcoming BYD Seal sedan.BYD Sea Lion range, specsBYD could equip Sea Lion electric SUV with an 82.5kWh battery pack. Range could be around 700 km. Both rear wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available. The former will have a single motor setup, capable of generating 204 hp of max power and 310 Nm of peak torque. Atto 3 has the same configuration.The all-wheel drive variant will have a dual-motor setup. Combined power and torque could be 530 hp. The front and rear motors will generate 217 hp and 313 hp, respectively. With these specs, BYD Sea Lion will be a capable rival to Tesla Model Y. Comparing the base-spec variants, Tesla Model Y generates 60 hp more than BYD Sea Lion. But when comparing top-spec models, Tesla Y output is 45 hp less than Sea Lion. Apart from Tesla, BYD Sea Lion could also be a rival to upcoming Mahindra BE range of electric SUVs. More

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      Mahindra Bolero Electric Launch Confirmed – New Logo, Anthem By AR Rahman

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      Mahindra Bolero digital render for illustration purposeBy electrifying existing models, Mahindra will be able to retain the brand equity associated with the respective SUVsLast year, Mahindra had unveiled its upcoming born-electric range of SUVs. It included XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. In coming years, Mahindra electric portfolio will have a lot more options to choose from. At the ongoing global event in South Africa, Mahindra has confirmed that it will be electrifying all its existing ICE SUVs.Good thing is that electrification of existing ICE SUVs won’t be the usual retrofit project. All the electrified ICE SUVs will be based on the company’s new INGLO platform. Of course, some tweaks will be needed to accommodate the respective body styles. Excluding the signature features of these SUVs, everything else including the chassis will be new. Electrified ICE SUVs will also get new names in the form of a ‘dot e’ suffix.Mahindra Bolero Electric Launch Confirmed. Image – TwitterMahindra electrified ICE SUVs to get single or dual motor powertrainsFor upcoming Thar.e, Scorpio.e and Bolero.e, powertrain options could be single or dual-motor setup. The electric powertrains will be sourced from Volkswagen and Valeo. As revealed at the ongoing global conference in South Africa, there will be a total of three powertrain options.In the front motor setup sourced from VW, power and torque output will be 110 PS and 135 Nm. In rear motor setup from VW, power and torque will be 285 PS and 535 Nm. In rear motor setup provided by Valeo, the numbers will be 231 PS and 380 Nm. Users will have the option to choose powertrain options for all these electrified SUVs.Mahindra Electrified SUVs – Launch TimelinePrices will vary based on various factors, one of which will be the type and capacity of the battery pack. However, such details are yet to be revealed. Key aspects such as range and launch timelines of these electrified ICE SUVs are also not known. However, it is likely that the next electric launch from Mahindra will be XUV.e8. It is essentially the electric version of XUV700. It has been spotted on road tests in recent months.Mahindra Electric SUVs PowertrainMahindra electrified ICE SUVs to have a new lookWhile retaining the core silhouette and signature features, Mahindra’s electrified ICE SUVs will have a refreshed look and feel. This approach is clearly evident with the Thar electric SUV unveiled at the ongoing event. The focus will be on achieving a more futuristic look and feel. It will also work to create a distinctive brand identity in comparison to the ICE counterparts.Mahindra Electric SUVs – Body StylesMahindra’s electrified ICE SUVs will also be using a new logo. But for existing XUV400, the twin-peaks logo in copper finish will be carried forward. It is possible that Mahindra may introduce the new logo for XUV400 when it too is shifted to the INGLO platform. Meanwhile, Mahindra will continue to sell the ICE SUVs. These will be available, as per Mahindra’s electrification strategy and roadmap. Mahindra has plans to achieve 25% electric SUV sales by 2027.[embedded content]Mahindra Electric Automobiles, in collaboration with music maestro AR Rahman, introduces an innovative sonic identity for their upcoming range of born electric vehicles. Crafted with over 75 meticulously designed sounds, including drive sounds and experience modes, the collaboration aims to enhance the auditory experience of electric SUVs.Mahindra Electric SUVs – Triple screen displayPartnering with HARMAN and Dolby Laboratories, the integration of Dolby Atmos audio technology further elevates the sensory journey. The brand anthem, “Le Chalaang,” reflects Mahindra’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. This sonic venture not only adds a distinctive auditory dimension but also aligns the brand’s Indian roots with its global aspirations, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity in the pursuit of a greener future. More