Mahindra Auto has achieved a new milestone with its first e-SUV, the Mahindra XUV400, entering the India Book of Records. The XUV400 has become the first electric vehicle (EV) to successfully cross the challenging Rann of Kutch on a single charge, showcasing the impressive capabilities of Mahindra’s EV technology.
In collaboration with the Car & Bike team, the record-setting journey started from Bajana, Gujarat, and covered the route through Zinzuwada, Little Rann of Kutch, Adesar, Momaimora, Mouvana, Bela, Dholavira, and the Road to Heaven, before reaching Dhordo, the beginning of the White Rann. The all-electric SUV traversed through tight, narrow, country roads with slush, potholes, and railway crossings.
The XUV400 started its journey from Bajana, east of the Little Rann of Kutch at 6.19 AM and drove all the way to the White Rann near Dhordo in the Greater Rann of Kutch, reaching the destination at 6.34 PM at an average speed of 35.9 km/h as officiated by the India Book of Records.
This milestone sets the XUV400 apart as a pioneering EV with exceptional performance and endurance, showcasing its capabilities as a reliable and versatile all-electric SUV. The XUV400 is the first all-electric Mahindra SUV to embody the company’s new brand identity, represented by its satin-copper twin peaks logo.
Overcoming Challenges
The Mahindra XUV400 undertook this challenging journey, putting its durability and performance to the test. The loose soil surface of the Rann, combined with sand and slush from unseasonal rains, posed significant challenges with minimum traction, causing wheel slippage. However, the Mahindra XUV400 EV successfully overcame extreme heat and arid weather conditions with temperatures reaching close to 50 degrees Celsius while traversing the Rann of Kutch, setting a record as the first EV to do so on a single charge.
Not the First Record for XUV 400
Earlier this year, the XUV 400 registered the first record to its name. In a groundbreaking achievement, the electric SUV etched its name in history by becoming the first-ever electric vehicle to conquer an astonishing distance of 751 km in sub-zero temperatures within 24 hours.
The remarkable journey commenced from Kyelang in Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, and covered the entire distance of 751 km within the given timeframe. Throughout the expedition, the electric SUV effortlessly maneuvered through challenging terrains, including steep inclines, showcasing its exceptional performance and capabilities.
This remarkable feat highlights the electric SUV’s endurance and resilience in adverse weather conditions.
Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, had earlier tweeted “More records to be broken in future…”. He indeed was referring to the XUV400 conquest of Rann of Kutch.
Mahindra Xuv 400 ev Specs
The all-electric XUV400 is generously sized and boasts cutting-edge technology, powerful features, and thrilling performance. It has the fastest acceleration in the non-luxury segment, reaching 0-100 km/h in a mere 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. Operating in the C-segment SUV category, the XUV400 is 4200 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2600 mm, offering excellent cabin space, legroom, and a best-in-class boot space of 378 l / 418 l.
XUV 400 Power Terrain
The XUV400 provides the highest power of 110 kW (150PS) and torque of 310 Nm in its segment. The XUV400 EC is equipped with a 34.5 kWh battery pack, providing a remarkable MIDC range of 375 km. Buyers will have the option to choose between two charger options, namely a 3.3 kW charger and a 7.2 kW charger. On the other hand, the EL variant of the XUV400 is powered by a robust 39.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering an impressive MIDC range of up to 456 km. Additionally, it comes with a 7.2 kW charger, ensuring efficient charging capabilities.
The XUV 400 was launched in Jan 2023 and received a huge response from buyers, generating 10000 bookings in just 4 days. The company has disclosed that due to high demand, the waiting period for the XUV400 has now extended to a duration of nine months. This surge in popularity reflects the strong interest and positive response from customers. In light of the current supply situation, Mahindra has set a target to deliver 20,000 units of the XUV400 in 2023. This ambitious goal demonstrates the company’s commitment to meeting the market demand and providing customers with the sought-after electric SUV in a timely manner.
What do the records signify for the EV world
The two records set by the XUV 400 are significant not just for Mahindra, but also for the whole EV scene in India. While most EV manufacturers focus on highlighting everyday efficiency and usability of the vehicles, the feats achieved by the XUV 400 drive attention towards more focussed purposes like off-roading and long distance touring in extreme weather conditions. Of course, the records have been set in a controlled environment implementing constraints like very low speed, in order to attain the highest distance coverage. But that just implies the limitation of the battery and not the capability of EV platforms.
The two records would also be seen as test results for EV platforms inspiring buyers of all kinds to go for EVs. Traditional buyers have a lot of doubts regarding the practicality of EV platforms in current times. The XUV 400 manages to address many of those concerns and the already awesome sales figures along with the two records are sure to make Mahindra a giant in the EV market. Others will follow suit.
The XUV400’s accomplishments serve as a benchmark and encourage others to strive for similar milestones in the fue. The SUV is sure to rule the list of the best EVs in India and probably, abroad as well.