Mahindra XUV.e9 EV spotted while charging at Tata dealership

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 15 May 2024, 11:51 AM

  • Mahindra will launch XUV.e9 in April 2025. It will be the second vehicle to be based on the ‘Born Electric’ platform.
Mahindra XUV.e9
The XUV.e9 is the coupe version of the XUV.e8 SUV. (Twitter/TeslaClubIN)

Mahindra is working on a slew of new electric vehicles for the Indian market. The homegrown manufacturer showcased new concepts back in 2022 and is currently testing them on Indian roads. One of the five electric SUVs was the XUV.e9 which was spotted recently while it was charging at a Tata Motors dealership.

One of the first things that we can notice is that the charging port is located on the rear left-hand side. We have seen from the earlier spy shots that there is a plastic piece that covers the charging port. There is a C-shaped LED tail lamp that wraps around the charging port.

A look at the charging port that is covered by a plastic piece. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Anto Leo Thomson)

We also get a close look at the front-end design of the SUV Coupe. The LED headlamps are the same ones that are doing duty on the XUV.e8 so they are vertically stacked and have copper elements in them. There is also a slim air dam in the bumper for the airflow required for electrical components. There are also newly designed alloy wheels on the side with flush sitting door handles.

Mahindra XUV.e9 charging at a Tata dealership ((Twitter/TeslaClubIN))

The Mahindra XUV.e9 will have dimensions of 4,790 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and a height of 1,690 mm. It will be based on the INGLO platform and feature a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. The XUV.e9 does look rather imposing and dominating because of its size which will be larger than the XUV700 for reference.

Also Read : Mahindra XUV.e9 EV spotted ahead of launch.

Mahindra has already revealed that the XUV.e9 will be launched in April 2025. It will be the second ‘Born Electric’ vehicle to come from Mahindra’s stable after XUV.e8 which will be launched by the end of 2024. The XUV.e8 is essentially an electrified version of the XUV700 and the XUV.e9 is the SUV Coupe version of the XUV.e8.

First Published Date: 15 May 2024, 11:51 AM IST

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Chinese electric vehicles face insurance challenges in UK. Here’s why

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 10 Mar 2024, 17:35 PM

Insurance companies in the UK are reluctant to insure Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns over high repair costs, lack of technical infor

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EV insurance in UK
While insurance costs for EVs in the UK are already high, Chinese EVs face additional hurdles due to parts availability issues and lack of manufacturer documentation for repairs. (Photo is representational)

Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are facing insurance challenges in the UK, with many models being either uninsurable or burdened with exorbitant premiums. Factors such as high repair costs, lack of technical information, and lengthy lead times for replacement parts are contributing to this issue. Models like the BYD Seal, GWM Ora 03, and some MG models are particularly affected, according to a report by Auto Express.

Thatcham Research, a UK-based risk intelligence company, attributes this situation to Chinese automakers’ unfamiliarity with European repair processes. The intelligence company emphasises that there is a need for better engagement between Chinese automakers and the UK insurance industry. It advises these companies to understand the market and ensure they have the right logistics in place to support their vehicles.

However, Chinese EVs are not the only ones facing insurance challenges in the UK. EV owners in general are paying nearly double the premiums compared to those with combustion vehicles. Tesla owners, in particular, are experiencing significant cost increases. Insurers are also quick to write off cars from mainstream Western manufacturers due to minor battery issues, especially those with batteries as structural elements.

The UK’s National Body Repair Association, highlights the lack of parts availability for Chinese manufacturers as a major issue. The repair association stated that repairers have had to write off models like the GWM ORA 03 due to unavailability of parts, despite these being repairable under different circumstances.

Also Read : Chinese vehicles under radar for national security data risk in United States

GWM ORA acknowledges the challenges faced by some owners in obtaining insurance coverage and claims to be taking steps to address the issue. However, the carmaker suggest that part of the problem may be due to unfamiliarity with the brand, leading to communication breakdowns and exaggerated parts lead times.

Another challenge lies in the differences between the Chinese and European repair markets. Labor rates in China are much lower, leading to a perception that repairs are simpler and more cost-effective than they actually are in Europe.

Ultimately, these insurance challenges could impact the competitiveness of Chinese EVs in the UK and European markets, especially in light of potential tariffs. The gap between the expectations of Chinese automakers and the UK insurance industry needs to be addressed to ensure a smoother path for Chinese EVs in these markets.

First Published Date: 10 Mar 2024, 17:35 PM IST

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