Mahindra, Adani Total Energies form JV to set up EV charging stations

Mahindra & Mahindra on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with Adani Total Energies E-Mobility Limited (ATEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Limited, for setting up 1,100 electric vehicle charging stations for its flagship electric XUV400 model.

According to the SUV manufacturer, the XUV400 customers will have access to more than 1,100 chargers on the Bluesense+App through the joint venture, which will enhance the convenience and reach of electric vehicle charging. Bluesense+ App is available in XUV300 and XUV400 models and has features such as audio control, climate control, emergency assistance, location services, and fuel statistics.

"We are thrilled to partner with Adani Total Energies. This alliance is a cornerstone in enhancing the EV charging infrastructure, ensuring our customers enjoy seamless access to the charging network and digital integration for an unparalleled EV experience. In line with our commitment to enhancing customer experience with partner network, we are actively on-boarding multiple partners to broaden the EV ecosystem, driving the adoption of electric vehicles,” says Veejay Nakra, President-automotive division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.  

The development comes as the dearth of adequate charging infrastructure has become the primary reason for a plunge in electric vehicle sales in the domestic market. Though, automakers continue to launch EV models almost every month.

The Confederation of Indian Industry estimates a requirement of 13 lakh charging stations by 2030 to support aggressive EV uptake. "By the year 2030, even in a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario of 40% year-on-year growth, we will see about 1.6 crore EVs being sold every year. To achieve a 1:40 ratio of charging infrastructure to EVs, a ratio that would be imperative to support the increased fleet of EVs, we would need to install more than 4 lakh chargers annually with a total of 13.20 lakh chargers till 2030 across the country," CII said in a recent note.

According to Suresh P Manglani, executive director & CEO, Adani Total Gas, the collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra for the charging infrastructure will bolster the confidence of customers to embrace EV technology as part of the energy transition. “Together, such steps will help reduce carbon emissions, and help India meet its climate action goals,” says Manglani.

Meanwhile, apart from setting up charging infrastructure, the joint venture will also entail rolling out e-mobility solutions covering discovery, availability, navigation and transactions.

The joint venture comes almost a month after M&M signed the first supply agreement on the use of key electric components of Volkswagen Group’s MEB (modular electric drive matrix) for Mahindra's electric platform INGLO. The deal covers the supply of certain electric components as well as unified cells.

Mahindra plans to launch five all-electric SUVs in India based on its new, purpose-built electric platform INGLO, starting December 2024. It is also looking to launch an electric version of its popular off-roader Thar.