Mahindra and Ford had signed an MOU in September 2017 to explore the option of working together to build low-cost electric vehicles for the Indian market. And it looks like things have been moving at a rather fast pace on that front, especially with Mahindra betting big on the electric vehicle surge in the future.
According to sources, Mahindra has already co-developed an electric Aspire with Ford India and is considering Ford’s global EV line-up, which is one of the cheapest electrics in its portfolio. While we have no numbers to compare as such, for reference, the Mahindra e-Verito was priced close to Rs 10 lakhs when it was launched a couple of years ago.
But, in the meantime, EV technologies as well as batteries have become cheaper than ever before, and if the economies of scale can be applied, the Ford Aspire EV can ideally be priced very close to the petrol powered car. And this would be an achievement in itself.
At the Auto Expo 2018, Mahindra had showcased their new electric platform and there might be a Ford-connection here as well. Because it is said that both the companies are working on an SUV platform that will spawn cars which have nothing in common except for the underpinnings.
Ford has been rallying to overtake other Indian car makers in the electric race. With Maruti-Suzuki announcing its plans to go electric only by 2020, there is a chance Ford might bring the Aspire EV as early as 2019.
Source: ET Auto
