Just hours before unveiling its most ambitious electric vehicle yet, Mahindra & Mahindra flipped the switch on its first nationwide network of 180 kW ultra-fast charging stations across India on November 26, 2025, at 11:50 AM IST. The move wasn’t just logistical—it was a statement. This wasn’t a company trying to keep up. It was building the future, brick by charging桩, right as India’s first authentic electric-origin 7-seater SUV, the XEV 9S, was set to roar onto the stage at Bengaluru’s 'Scream Electric' event on November 27.
Infrastructure First: Why Timing Matters
Most automakers wait until after launch to talk about charging. Mahindra did the opposite. By activating the network the day before the XEV 9S debut, they sent a clear signal: range anxiety ends here. The 180 kW chargers, quietly rolled out in over 50 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune, can deliver 20-80% charge in just 20 minutes for the top-spec XEV 9S variants. That’s faster than most coffee breaks. And it’s not a gimmick—it’s engineered to match the SUV’s hardware. The XEV 9S’s 79 kWh battery, for instance, is rated for 180 kW DC fast charging, a rare capability in India’s current EV landscape.
The XEV 9S: Built from the Ground Up
Forget badge-engineered conversions. The XEV 9S was designed on Mahindra’s proprietary INGLO architecture, a clean-sheet EV platform that allows for a flat floor, optimized weight distribution, and room for a full third row. At its launch, the SUV came in three battery packs: a 59 kWh entry variant (140 kW charging), a 70 kWh mid-tier (160 kW), and the flagship 79 kWh unit (180 kW). All deliver a consistent 380 Nm of torque. The 79 kWh model, priced at Rs. 21.95 lakh (ex-showroom), boasts an ARAI-certified range of 679 km—the longest in its class by over 100 km.
Inside, it’s a tech showcase: three 31.24 cm screens, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon Dolby Atmos system, 5G connectivity, ambient lighting, and Camp Mode—a feature that lets you power climate control and entertainment while parked, all without draining the main battery. The design? Bold. Blanked-out grille. L-shaped LED DRLs. A light bar stretching across the front like a halo. Flush handles. Shark-fin antenna. Even the wheel design is aerodynamic. This isn’t a car trying to look electric. It *is* electric.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Starting at Rs. 19.95 lakh for the 59 kWh variant, the XEV 9S undercuts competitors like the Tata Safari EV and MG ZS EV in terms of space and features, while matching them on price. CarWale had predicted a Rs. 21 lakh launch, but Mahindra undercut that expectation—likely to accelerate adoption. The top-end Pack Two Above with the 70 kWh battery clocks in at Rs. 24.45 lakh, positioning it as a premium family EV. Not cheap, but competitive when you factor in the tech, range, and charging speed.
What’s more, Mahindra already has momentum. The company sold 30,000 electric vehicles in just seven months—roughly one every ten minutes. That’s not luck. It’s execution. And the XEV 9S is their biggest play yet to own the 7-seater EV segment, a space long dominated by ICE SUVs.
Charging Network: The 1,000-Point Goal
By the end of 2027, Mahindra plans to install 1,000 ultra-fast charging points nationwide. That’s ambitious. India currently has fewer than 500 public DC fast chargers. Most are 50 kW or lower. Mahindra’s 180 kW stations are a quantum leap. They’ll be located along major highways and in metro hubs, with plans to integrate with third-party networks like Fortum and EV Charge India. The company didn’t just build chargers—they built a system. And they’re opening it to other EV brands too, a rare move in India’s fragmented market.
What Comes Next? Bookings, Deliveries, and the Real Test
Bookings open on January 14, 2026. Deliveries start January 23. That’s a tight window. But Mahindra isn’t waiting. They’ve already started training service centers in 120 cities to handle the XEV 9S’s complex electronics and battery systems. The real test? Will customers trust this new infrastructure? Will families actually choose a 7-seater EV over a diesel SUV for long road trips? Early indicators suggest yes. The pre-launch buzz on social media was overwhelming. And with the charging network already live, the hesitation is gone.
Why This Changes the Game
This isn’t just about one SUV. It’s about proving that Indian automakers can lead—not follow—in EV innovation. The INGLO platform, the charging network, the pricing strategy—all point to a company that’s studied Tesla’s playbook and adapted it for India’s realities: high temperatures, long distances, and price sensitivity. Mahindra didn’t just launch a car. They launched an ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the XEV 9S’s charging speed compare to other EVs in India?
The XEV 9S’s 180 kW charging capability is among the fastest available in India. Most competitors, like the Tata Harrier EV or MG HS EV, max out at 120-150 kW. The 20-80% charge in 20 minutes matches Tesla’s V3 Superchargers and outpaces Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 in India, which typically take 25-30 minutes for the same charge. This makes long-distance travel far more practical.
Why did Mahindra launch charging stations before the car?
To eliminate range anxiety before it starts. Historically, Indian EV buyers hesitate because charging infrastructure is unreliable or slow. By activating 180 kW chargers nationwide the day before launch, Mahindra removed a major psychological barrier. It’s a rare move—most brands wait until after sales ramp up. This signals confidence in demand and a commitment to customer experience.
Is the XEV 9S available outside India?
As of now, Mahindra has not announced international availability. The XEV 9S is designed specifically for Indian road conditions, climate, and pricing expectations. However, the INGLO platform is scalable, and regional exports to Southeast Asia or Africa are rumored to be under evaluation for 2027, pending certification and infrastructure partnerships.
What makes the INGLO platform different from other EV architectures?
Unlike retrofitted platforms, INGLO was built from scratch for EVs. It allows for a lower center of gravity, optimized battery placement under the floor, and modular battery sizing. It supports up to 210 kW peak power and integrates advanced thermal management for India’s extreme heat. It also enables faster software updates and over-the-air features—something most Indian EVs still lack.
How will Mahindra maintain its 30,000-EV-per-year sales pace?
The XEV 9S is the cornerstone. With its family-friendly size, long range, and premium features, it targets a segment that’s been underserved. Combined with aggressive financing options and the expanding charging network, Mahindra aims to capture 30% of India’s 7-seater EV market by 2027. Their existing sales momentum—over 100 EVs sold daily—shows strong brand loyalty and trust, which the XEV 9S is poised to amplify.
Will the 180 kW chargers work with other EV brands?
Yes. Mahindra has opened its ultra-fast charging network to all EVs with CCS2 or GB/T connectors, which cover most new models in India. This interoperability is key to adoption. Unlike Tesla’s proprietary network, Mahindra’s stations are open-access, making them a public utility for electric mobility—a strategic move that could position the company as India’s charging infrastructure leader.