At the Mahindra Unlimit Tech Day, the company unveiled its bold vision for India’s electric
mobility future, launching two EV ranges and providing insights into their advanced EV
powertrain manufacturing facility. Efficient Manufacturing in a conversation with Veejay Nakra,
President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., key themes of innovation,
sustainability, customer experience, and the growth of India’s EV ecosystem took center stage.
Here are highlights from the discussion, shedding light on Mahindra’s strategy to democratize
technology and drive EV adoption.
Mahindra & Mahindra hosted the highly anticipated Unlimit Tech Day, unveiling their ambitious
plans for electric mobility. The event included the launch of two distinct EV ranges and an
exclusive tour of Mahindra’s cutting-edge EV powertrain manufacturing facility, showcasing the
company’s vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Scaling Up for Growth
Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., emphasized the
evolving EV landscape in India. He highlighted the need for investments to achieve scale,
stating, “The level playing field is about ensuring everyone invests for market growth. The new
product offerings and innovations in recent months reflect this commitment.” He pointed out that
while global EV markets boast penetration rates of 15-30%, India is still at approximately 2.5%,
signifying vast potential.
Addressing Range Anxiety and Enhancing Infrastructure
Mahindra’s focus on addressing range anxiety is evident in their launch of EVs with a 500+ km
range, which received widespread market appreciation. Nakra noted the critical role of
innovation and public charging infrastructure in driving EV adoption: “Growth of the category
depends on what manufacturers do. We are at an inflection point, supported by advancements
in technology and infrastructure.”
Revolutionizing Customer Experience
The introduction of Mahindra’s AI assistant, Maia, marks a leap in user experience. Powered by
the Qualcomm 8 Gen 2 chip, Maia offers infotainment, seamless device integration, and
over-the-air updates. Nakra described it as a “work-from-car solution,” transforming vehicles into
mobile hubs for productivity and entertainment.
Local Manufacturing and Sustainability
A testament to Mahindra’s commitment to “Make in India,” the company has established a
battery assembly facility that imports only cells while producing everything else domestically.
Nakra proudly shared, “Of the 200 patents we’ve filed, 197 were created by our engineers and
designers in India.” This initiative bolsters India’s manufacturing ecosystem, with Tier 1 suppliers
driving innovation in collaboration with Tier 2 and Tier 3 players.
Vision for Democratized Technology
Nakra emphasized Mahindra’s goal of democratizing technology to make EVs accessible, which
he believes will catalyze significant adoption in the next 2-3 years. The strategy aligns with the
company’s focus on the domestic market while eyeing international opportunities in the future.
With a bold vision and a robust approach, Mahindra is poised to lead India’s electric mobility
revolution, creating sustainable and innovative solutions that are ready to compete on a global
stage.
