Although several possibilities exist, the XEV 9e is likely undergoing component testing or benchmarking in Korea
The XEV 9e and BE 6 are Mahindra’s first EVs to be based on the born-electric INGLO platform. These have emerged as bestsellers, taking Mahindra to third place in the list of best-selling electric car brands in the country. In the latest development, the XEV 9e has been spotted on a trailer truck in Korea. Let’s see the details.
possibility of component testing
South Korea is one of the leading global centers of automotive technology and innovation. For the XEV 9e and BE 6, the steering and braking systems are derived from the HL Mando. A leading global Tier 1 OEM from South Korea, HL Mando supplies various parts to brands like Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Chevrolet, BMW, Volkswagen, Kia etc.
In India, HL Mando operates through a joint venture with Anand Group. For the XEV 9e and BE 6, electronically activated brakes are used. These have an integrated master cylinder as well as an ESP module. The entire setup is provided by HL Mando. Although no direct connection can be established between this test mule and HL Mando, the possibility exists. This may involve fine-tuning or enhancement of existing components, or testing entirely new parts.
Mahindra may also collaborate with other suppliers in Korea. It could be aimed at introducing new features for the XEV 9e or upcoming versions of the SUV. Korea has several options for carmakers for technology partnerships. For reference, there’s Hanon Systems, which specializes in powertrain cooling, automotive thermal and energy management solutions, and EV components.
Another leading name is LG Energy Solutions, one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world. While the XEV 9e and BE 6 currently use BYD-sourced battery packs, there may be scope for future collaboration. Interestingly, in 2022 it was reported that LG Energy Solutions will supply battery packs for the XUV400. However, due to supply chain issues, Mahindra later chose to go with Chinese manufacturer Farasis Energy.
Benchmarking or international market similarity
It’s possible that one of the Korean carmakers brought the XEV 9e test mule to Korea for engineering benchmarking. There could be Hyundai and Kia, both of whom are focusing heavily on boosting their EV portfolios. It is a common practice in the automotive world to acquire competitors’ vehicles for teardown and analysis.
The objective may be to understand parts and systems such as battery packaging, power electronics, suspension tuning, software architecture, etc. The XEV 9e may also be in Korea as part of its global homologation process. Although South Korea is not currently a launch market for Mahindra, testing at an overseas location could still support international homologation.
The XEV 9e is a global product and is currently exported to select countries only. There are plans to promote exports of the XEV 9e and BE 6 to more overseas markets in the future. The purpose of testing in South Korea may be cold weather calibration, high speed testing, regulatory certification and software validation for export markets.
