Mahindra has taken a bold step in India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market by unveiling its latest innovation: the XEV 9S, a seven-seater electric SUV.
The new model enters a segment largely dominated by Tata Motors, with prices starting at roughly R430 000 for the basic variant and climbing to around R635 000 for the top-end version, which boasts an impressive 500km driving range.
The timing of the launch is significant. India’s EV adoption is accelerating rapidly, with sales of battery-powered cars surpassing 100 000 units this year, a sharp rise from just 23 000 units in the previous year. This surge signals a turning point for the country’s green mobility ambitions.
To reinforce its commitment, Mahindra will inject an additional R4.3 billion into the XEV 9S and an updated BE 6 model, forming part of a broader R34 billion investment plan to develop purpose-built electric SUVs by the 2027 financial year. Unlike traditional petrol conversions, these vehicles are engineered from scratch as electric models.
“With the XEV 9S, we are not merely entering the EV space, we are redefining it,” says Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive of Mahindra’s automotive division.
The XEV 9S will be available in six variants, with bookings opening on 14 January and deliveries commencing on 23 January. Market analysts forecast annual sales of 5 000 to 10 000 units, given the scarcity of seven-seater EV options.
Mahindra, India’s second-largest SUV manufacturer by volume, aims for electric vehicles to represent at least 20% of its SUV sales by 2027. Between March and October alone, the company sold over 30 000 electric SUVs. Current production of its earlier EV models, the XEV 9E and BE 6, stands at 4 000 to 5 000 units a month, with plans to double output from April 2026.
Industry observers note that EVs are attracting new customers to Mahindra, with 80% of buyers being first-time users of the brand.
Meanwhile, Tata Motors continues to lead the market with six electric models, priced from R190 000 for the Tiago EV to R510 000 for the Harrier SUV. Hyundai Motor India is also in the fray with its Creta and IONIQ electric offerings.
Despite the momentum, electric four-wheelers currently account for only 2% to 3% of India’s total vehicle sales, hampered by high upfront costs and patchy charging infrastructure. The government, however, has set an ambitious target of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030.
Imperial Motors Zambia, part of Motus Africa, has added UD Trucks to its dealership offering following an official launch in Lusaka on 1 October. The brand will be represented at three operational locations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
Euro NCAP has changed the way it tests cars. The 2026 protocols, the biggest revision in three years, restructure the assessment around four stages: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash care.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Charging time remains a worry for many South Africans considering an electric vehicle, who still see it as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. That view is starting to shift.
South Africa has taken important steps to position itself within the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, but industry stakeholders argue that further policy adjustments are needed if the country is to accelerate adoption and support long-term investment in clean transport infrastructure.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
