FEV, Mahindra develop high-energy LFP battery for electric origin SUVs
Autocar Professional, 9 May '25
FEV and Mahindra have jointly developed a new high-energy density lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system for Mahindra's Electric Origin SUVs, following extensive safety and performance testing.
The system passed international safety evaluations, including fuel fire, nail penetration, and rollover tests. The battery system is available in two variants, with capacities of 59 kWh and 79 kWh. The system was developed over two years, with the goal of reducing development costs and time to market.
A notable feature of the system is its fast-charging capability, which allows for 20-80% charging in 20 minutes.
Testing was conducted at both Mahindra's research facilities and FEV's eDLP near Leipzig, Germany, the largest independent high-voltage battery test centre. The system meets the standards of organisations including IEC, ISO, UL, SAE, and AIS, with particular emphasis on the AIS regulations relevant for the Indian market.
Dr. Thomas Hulshorst, Global Vice President Electric Powertrain at FEV, stated that the collaboration enabled the companies to develop a solution suited to the needs of the Indian market while meeting industry standards.
The battery system entered presale in mid-February and is now transitioning to series production. Both companies have indicated their intention to continue the partnership and develop further battery systems in the future.
R Velusamy, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., noted that future joint products will follow the same safety standards and energy density.
The partnership combines FEV's automotive engineering expertise with Mahindra's market position in India. FEV is a global engineering provider with 7,000 employees across 40 locations worldwide, while Mahindra Group employs 260,000 people in over 100 countries and holds positions in farm equipment, utility vehicles, and information technology in India.
This development comes as both companies continue to expand their presence in the electric vehicle market, reflecting the growing importance of EV technology in the Indian automotive sector and globally.
