In the upcoming years, Mahindra intends to introduce a series of new electric vehicles (EVs) to the market, with the XUV700 Electric leading the way. This move is a part of Mahindra's strategy to focus on the premium EV sector, while Tata Motors continues to lead in the entry-level EV segment. When it comes to market, the XUV700 Electric, likely to be sold under the name XUV.e8, will rival upcoming models such as the Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV.
The body design of the XUV700 Electric will largely replicate that of the current internal combustion engine (ICE)-based XUV700. This similarity is meant to decrease both production and development costs. However, the front view of the XUV.e8 will be significantly different. Outstanding features will include a full-length LED light bar extending vertically to the bumper and a closed-off grille. The XUV.e8 is also projected to feature a completely new headlamp design.
Other modifications in design specific to the electric model will be a new set of sporty and aerodynamic alloy wheels.The rear of the XUV.e8 will boast changes such as a new full-width LED light strip and a rejuvenated bumper. The silhouette, for the most part, will replicate the existing ICE model with some EV-specific badging, like the copper-coloured accents previously seen on the XUV400 EV. The Mahindra logo will follow the same design scheme. Additionally, Mahindra may offer exclusive colour options for the XUV700 Electric model.
In terms of dimensions, the XUV.e8 will be slightly larger but not considerably distinguishable from the ICE XUV700. With lengths, widths, and heights of 4,740 mm, 1,900 mm, and 1,760 mm respectively, the XUV.e8 will have a 2,762 mm wheelbase. The electric model indicates a minimal increase of 45 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 5 mm in height when compared to the ICE model. The wheelbase is larger by only 7 mm.
While these marginal differences are unlikely to significantly affect the interior space, Mahindra does plan to focus on superior space utilization with the INGLO platform. Consequently, despite the marginal size differences, the XUV.e8 will provide a more spacious feel than the ICE model.
Further separating the XUV.e8 from the ICE model, several first-in-segment features are set to be incorporated. A major aspect will be the innovative triple integrated screen setup, which will cover nearly the total width of the dashboard. This will include the infotainment screen, the instrumentation, and a designated screen for the passenger upfront. Other notable features will include well-ventilated seats at both the front and rear, a panoramic sunroof, a luxury sound system, and an extensive series of ADAS features and connected car technology.
The performance specifications of the XUV.e8 are expected to surpass the existing ICE model. Lower-end models of the XUV.e8 will likely be equipped with a 60-kWH battery pack and a single motor featuring a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. The higher-end models, meanwhile, would come with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup and dual motors. The battery capacity for these models is expected to be 80 kWh. The electric model is slated to deliver a driving range of around 400 to 450 km, and both AC and DC fast-charging options will be offered for added convenience.
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Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reaffirmed its dedication to the Halewood factory, with investments now surpassing a significant £500 million. Initially, back in 2022, the company laid out its vision for transitioning the factory to support electric vehicle (EV) production, and since then, it has shown substantial progress. Over the past 12 months, the company has dedicated an impressive 'one million hours' to construction, resulting in a 32,000-square-foot extension to the historic facility, which originally began as a car factory for the Ford Anglia in 1963.
This half-billion-pound investment includes an initial outlay of £250 million, primarily aimed at modifying the production line to accommodate JLR’s forthcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This platform will support a new generation of medium-sized electric luxury SUVs. Though these future models remain officially unnamed, there is widespread speculation that the next generation of Range Rover Velar will be the first to roll off the new production line in 2025.
However, plans for Halewood to transform into an exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing facility have been postponed. Last month, JLR announced it would extend its investment in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles longer than previously planned. As a result, Halewood is now set to produce ICE, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) side by side, before eventually becoming the company's first all-electric production facility—though, notably, without a fixed timeline.
Looking ahead, JLR has earmarked an additional £250 million to fully realize its objectives for Halewood. Considerable advancements have already been made, including the installation of 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and laser alignment technology to ensure perfect part fitment. In the pursuit of creating a 'factory of the future,' state-of-the-art cloud-based digital plant management systems have also been integrated.
These investments have expanded the length of the production line from 4km to 6km, accommodating new battery fitment processes. Additionally, seven-metre build stations have been installed to cater to the different proportions of EMA electric vehicles. Previously, the factory was mainly focused on the production of the current Land Rover Discovery Sport, highlighting the substantial scale of transformation JLR is undertaking.
Moreover, JLR has prioritized training, offering High Voltage Training to over 1,600 employees, and has constructed a new body shop capable of producing 500 vehicle bodies per day. The paint shop has also been modified to meet the higher demand for contrasting roofs.
Sustainability remains a core focus. Halewood plans to install 18,000 photovoltaic panels, projected to satisfy 10 percent of the facility’s energy needs. This move aligns with JLR’s broader goal of becoming a carbon net zero firm by 2039. Despite significant progress, the company acknowledges there is still much work ahead to meet this ambitious target but proudly asserts that they are moving in the right direction.
In summary, Jaguar Land Rover's continuous and exponential investments in Halewood underscore its commitment to transforming the factory into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of vehicles. As it carefully balances ongoing ICE production with its ambitious EV goals, JLR is set to position Halewood at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation.
