Mahindra XUV 3XO hybrid under development; could arrive in 2026

After creating a buzz around EVs, Mahindra plans to expand its powertrain line-up to include various hybrid technologies. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the company is exploring hybrid powertrains, from strong hybrids to range extenders, to broaden its portfolio.

1. The XUV 3XO hybrid project is called S226
2. Range extender hybrids being explored for BE 6, XEV 9e
3. Hybrids accounted for 2.1 percent of PV sales in 2024

Mahindra XUV 3XO to get a strong-hybrid powertrain

The homegrown automaker is studying a strong hybrid system for the compact XUV 3XO under project S226. The 3XO hybrid is scheduled to hit the road by 2026. Sources in the know tell us that Mahindra is considering using its 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a hybrid setup. This unit has the space to fit all the systems required to make it a petrol-electric strong hybrid.

Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9e range extender hybrids being explored

The company is considering range extender hybrids for the existing INGLO platform models codenamed M130 and M330. Sources say Mahindra’s decision on whether to proceed with them will depend on the response to the BE 6 and XEV 9e EVs. It has started technical development and design work for range extenders on the INGLO platform and will likely take the final call on a market launch in the next six to eight months. Range extenders are primarily electric vehicles that use a gasoline engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery and extend the electric driving range.

Range extenders on the INGLO models will depend on customer interest in BE6 and XEV 9e.

These models could add approximately 40,000 to 50,000 units annually. Mahindra, however, did not respond to an email request for comment.

Other carmakers currently working on hybrids for India

Suzuki and Toyota are the leaders in the country's hybrid vehicle segment, with their midsize SUVs, the Grand Vitara Hybrid and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. This year, the Japanese duo will likely add two more models with a hybrid powertrain to the C-segment SUV market. Maruti Suzuki has also started working on a range extender solution for compact cars to popularise hybrid technology in India.

Even South Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia have started developing affordable hybrid solutions for the Indian market. Skoda Auto Volkswagen and JSW MG Motor also plan to introduce hybrid alternatives in the coming years, even as more EV alternatives are launched in 2025.

Maruti is working on a series hybrid powertrain for compact cars like the Fronx.

Scope and demand for hybrids in India

Last year, hybrid and EV vehicles were in close competition, with EVs clocking slightly higher retail sales of over 90,000 units, accounting for 2.4 percent of the overall passenger vehicle market. In comparison, hybrids’ tally stood at 85,000 units, giving them a 2.1 percent market share.

Due to the slower-than-expected pace of EV adoption in 2024 and the sustained challenge surrounding charging infrastructure, many prospective buyers started opting for hybrid vehicles or internal combustion engine models.

Mahindra views hybrid technology as a stepping stone towards full EVs. In one of its quarterly earnings media conferences, MD and CEO Anish Shah said, “It’s a slightly different powertrain. And to the extent that it’s required, we’ll be ready with that. If there is a significant change in the demand for hybrid vehicles and our customers ask for it, then we’ll move into it much faster,” he added.

Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and CEO of Mahindra’s automotive and farm business, does not believe hybrids pose a significant threat to EVs in India.

“We don’t see hybrid-wanting customers actively cannibalising us, except in very few segments at an appropriate time. Depending on how the category is moving, we will look at hybrids whenever we need,” he said recently.