The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is rapidly evolving, and Mahindra has entered the fray with its innovative INGLO platform, designed to redefine the benchmarks for electric mobility. This second-generation platform is built with cutting-edge technology and an engineering philosophy that marries the strengths of European precision with Chinese technological advancements. The result is a platform that promises to compete with the best in the world, including the likes electric cars from the stable of premium European and American brands. The BE 6e and XEV 9e, unveiled last week, are the first vehicles born from the INGLO platform.
A Platform For The Future
Speaking to Mobility Outlook, R Velusamy, President of Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, said, INGLO platform was conceived with a singular focus: to maximise efficiency and usability for EVs. Unlike many EV platforms that adapt existing architectures, the platform was built from the ground up with EV-specific requirements in mind. It incorporates a balanced 50:50 weight distribution, thanks to a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a centrally placed battery pack. This design enables superior handling and stability.
However, achieving this balance wasn’t without its challenges. A key innovation lies in the Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system, which was introduced to handle the precision required for a 50:50 weight distribution. This technology ensures smooth steering dynamics, even under demanding driving conditions, he said.
Breaking Barriers In Range, Efficiency
The INGLO platform is engineered to deliver admirable range and efficiency, alleviating the persistent concern of range anxiety. Offering battery options of 59 kWh and 79 kWh, INGLO provides better range in its category. Its advanced LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry, coupled with standardised cell-to-pack technology, ensures long-term durability, reliability, and safety, he said.
Velusamy said the platform’s fast-charging capability is another standout feature. With a 175 kW DC charger, the battery can charge from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for both city commutes and long road trips.
Powertrain Innovation
Powering INGLO’s notable performance is a compact three-in-one powertrain that integrates the motor, inverter, and transmission. Delivering outputs of 170-210 kW for rear-wheel drives, this setup provides unmatched acceleration and agility. Whether navigating urban streets or highways, vehicles built on the INGLO platform promise a dynamic and exhilarating driving experience.
With the battery pack positioned at a low centre of gravity (CoG), INGLO addresses the common challenge of high CoG issues in SUVs. The advanced structural design integrates the battery pack into the underbody, forming a protective cage around the passenger cabin. This innovative approach not only enhances safety but also contributes to a lighter, more agile driving experience.
Leveraging Best Of Both Worlds
Velusamy said the INGLO platform blends the technological prowess of Chinese innovation with the robust mechanical engineering heritage of Europe. Mahindra has taken inspiration from Chinese advancements in battery technology, lighting, and augmented reality systems while integrating the durability and refinement that European platforms are known for.
This fusion allows the platform to deliver an experience that combines high performance with advanced connectivity and safety features. Besides, it supports semi-active suspension systems that adapt to road conditions in real-time, ensuring optimal ride comfort and handling.
Engineering Challenges, Innovations
Designing a skateboard platform for EVs involves optimising strength and weight. “We addressed this by using boron steel, a material that provides high tensile strength while minimising weight. This balance was critical for meeting crash safety standards, achieving extended range, and ensuring agile handling,” he said.
Another challenge was integrating a suspension system suitable for a low-slung battery pack. The solution lay in Mahindra’s proprietary suspension architecture, featuring a five-link rear suspension system that enhances stability without compromising ride comfort. The integration of active and semi-active suspension systems further elevates driving dynamics, making the platform versatile for various body types and configurations, he said.
Scalability And Future Prospects
According to Velusamy, one of INGLO's standout features is its scalability. The platform is designed to accommodate multiple model (with fixed wheelbase), tracks, and rooflines, enabling the OEM to develop a diverse range of vehicles on the same foundation. This flexibility opens up possibilities for new models, catering to different market segments without the need for significant retooling, he pointed out.
Moreover, the design principles of INGLO prioritise manufacturing, assembly, and service efficiency. The production lines for vehicles based on this architecture are fully automated, ensuring consistency in quality and reduced production costs. This approach not only makes INGLO vehicles cost-effective but also enhances their appeal in competitive markets, he mentioned.
The Human Element Behind The Innovation
Behind the success of the INGLO platform lies the dedication of Mahindra's engineering and design teams. Developing a platform of this calibre required sacrifices, with weekends, family time, and sleep often taking a back seat, he said. The urgency to create a robust electric vehicle platform stemmed from the realisation that a company of Mahindra’s stature “could not afford to lag in the EV race,” he noted.
A Paradigm Shift In EV Architecture
The launch of the INGLO platform signifies a paradigm shift in how EVs are designed and manufactured. By combining global best practices with innovative solutions, the automaker has positioned itself as a serious contender in the electric mobility space.
The journey doesn’t end here. Mahindra’s engineers are already exploring advancements such as fully active suspension systems and enhanced sensor integration for future iterations of the platform. Each vehicle release is viewed as an opportunity to learn and refine, ensuring that INGLO remains at the cutting edge of EV technology.
With the INGLO platform, Mahindra has demonstrated that it is not merely catching up to global EV players but is setting a new standard for innovation, scalability, and performance. As the automotive industry transitions toward electric mobility, platforms like INGLO will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
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