Mahindra Confirms Development of New Hybrid and Range Extender Technology

Mahindra has officially confirmed the development of multiple hybrid powertrain systems under a flexible platform architecture aimed at international markets, including Australia.

The news was revealed to CarSauce during an exclusive roundtable meeting at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, India.

According to Velusamy R, President of Automotive Technology & Product Development at Mahindra, the company is actively developing three distinct hybrid configurations:

• Strong Hybrid (series-parallel HEV setup — similar to Toyota’s system)
• A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
• A Range Extender Electric Vehicle (EREV)

While each system is unique, all are being engineered under a common platform that allows Mahindra to adapt the chosen solution based on market-specific demand. Patents are being taken out across these individual systems.

“Wherever we think hybrid is suitable, we are working on it,” Velusamy said, acknowledging Australia’s rising preference for hybrid vehicles.

Of the three, he noted that the range extender offers the highest efficiency.

The range extender setup uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine as a generator to charge a battery, which then powers an electric motor to drive the vehicle. Unlike typical hybrids, the engine never directly powers the wheels.

While Mahindra declined to confirm exact timing, Velusamy said the technology was well into development, noting, “If it is many years away, it would not have come to this campus,” implying a reveal or production announcement is not far off.

Importantly, Mahindra confirmed that this hybrid architecture is currently only compatible with east-west engine layouts — typically found in crossovers and front- or all-wheel-drive vehicles.

For north-south applications such as ladder-frame utes, a different hybrid system would be required, and is not yet under development.

The move towards hybrid and range extender systems reflects Mahindra’s strategy to grow its international presence while offering flexible and efficient solutions tailored to each market.

The development comes at a time when hybrid demand is surging in Australia, with many manufacturers — including Toyota and GWM — experiencing strong consumer uptake.

Mahindra’s approach aims to position it competitively in a market that is transitioning away from pure combustion engines but not yet fully electric.

Further announcements are expected closer to production readiness.