Earlier this year, Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the updated XUV 7XO with improved styling, new features and updated suspensions. It’s among the highest volume contributors to the company’s Indian product lineup.
In a significant development, the indigenous automaker is planning to foray into the hybrid vehicle segment with two new projects, internally codenamed W613 and W623. The W163 programme represents the hybrid version of the Mahindra XUV 7XO, while the W623 stands for the XEV 9e range-extender hybrid SUV.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO hybrid is expected to arrive in 2027, while the Mahindra XEV 9e range-extender hybrid could make its debut sometime in 2028. This means, Mahindra is evaluating hybrid options for both its existing ICE (internal combustion engine) and INGLO-based EV offerings.
Advanced Hybrid System For XUV 7XO
Details of the hybrid powertrain are not available at the moment. However, the Mahindra XUV 7XO hybrid is expected to be based on the monocoque platform and feature a series-parallel hybrid system as we have seen in the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. The upcoming Mahindra hybrid SUV is expected to compromise of a petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a battery pack, assisted by a self-charging technology.
How Does a Series-Parallel Hybrid System Work?
In series-parallel hybrid technology, the vehicle runs in pure EV model at low speeds. The battery delivers power to the electric motor, which drives the wheels. During this time, the petrol engine remains switched off. When the battery requires charging, the petrol engine switches on and spins a generator to produce electricity that powers the motor or charges the battery.
At high speeds, the petrol engine directly drives the wheels, with assistance from the electric motor whenever required. In series-parallel mode, both the engine and electric motor directly drive the wheels, and the battery supplies additional power during hard acceleration. When driver applies brakes or lifts off the accelerator, the electric motor starts working as a generator and converts kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery pack.