The automotive industry is witnessing a rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by environmental concerns, government incentives, and rising fuel costs. Among the pioneers of affordable EVs in India, Mahindra has introduced the eKUV100, a compact electric SUV designed for urban commuting and short-distance travel.
The eKUV100 is aimed at first-time EV buyers who want a compact, stylish, and efficient vehicle without compromising on utility and performance. With its modern design, practical dimensions, and cost-effective pricing, it positions itself as a suitable solution for city dwellers seeking sustainable mobility.
This article explores the Mahindra eKUV100 in detail, including its design, specifications, battery performance, features, pricing, and overall value proposition for Indian consumers.
Highlight Table (Key Specifications & Features)
| Feature / Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Mahindra eKUV100 |
| Body Type | Compact Electric SUV |
| Electric Motor | 40 kW electric motor (~53 PS) |
| Battery | 15.9 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Range (ARAI) | 147 km per full charge |
| Charging Time | 0-80% in 55 min (fast charger), 0-100% in 6-8 hours (home charger) |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3735 × 1755 × 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2385 mm |
| Tyres | 175/65 R15 |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, Navigation |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Reverse parking sensor, Speed alert |
| Drive Modes | Eco / Normal / Sport |
| Price Range (Approx.) | ₹8.25 lakh – ₹8.75 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Colors | Pearl White, Red Rage, Dazzling Silver |
| Warranty | 3-year vehicle warranty + 8-year battery warranty |
Detailed Review — Mahindra eKUV100
1. Design and Exterior
The Mahindra eKUV100 carries forward the KUV100’s compact SUV design but with subtle EV-specific tweaks. It features a closed front grille, aerodynamic bumper, LED DRLs, and eco-friendly branding. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for city streets and tight parking spaces.
The vehicle has a muscular yet approachable look, with strong character lines, stylish alloy wheels, and a practical roof design. It is available in vibrant color options, appealing to younger buyers who prefer modern aesthetics.
2. Interior and Comfort
Despite being compact, the eKUV100 offers a surprisingly spacious interior. Seating is designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with sufficient legroom and headroom. The dashboard has been modernized with a digital instrument cluster that displays battery percentage, range, and energy consumption.
The cabin features:
- Comfortable fabric seats
- Air conditioning with manual controls
- Power windows and central locking
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth, USB, and navigation
- Ample storage compartments
The interior design balances functionality with a touch of modern tech, making city commutes comfortable and convenient.
3. Electric Motor and Performance
The eKUV100 is powered by a 40 kW (53 PS) electric motor paired with a 15.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup delivers smooth acceleration suitable for city driving, achieving 0–60 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds.
Top speed is limited to 90 km/h, emphasizing its urban-centric design. Three drive modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport — allow drivers to balance performance and efficiency. Eco mode maximizes range, Sport mode boosts acceleration, and Normal mode provides balanced performance.
Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery during deceleration, enhancing overall efficiency and driving range.
4. Battery, Range, and Charging
The 15.9 kWh battery offers an ARAI-certified range of 147 km per charge, making it ideal for daily urban commutes, short trips, and errands.
Charging options include:
- Home charging (AC): 0–100% in 6–8 hours
- Fast charging (DC): 0–80% in 55 minutes
This flexibility ensures convenience for both home users and those with access to public fast chargers.
5. Infotainment and Connectivity
The eKUV100 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth connectivity, USB, navigation, and smartphone mirroring. While not as advanced as premium EVs, it offers adequate functionality for daily needs, including music, calls, and route navigation.
The digital instrument cluster keeps the driver informed about range, battery percentage, and energy consumption.
6. Safety Features
Safety is a critical consideration for EVs, and the eKUV100 is equipped with essential features:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Reverse parking sensors
- Speed alert system
- Seatbelt reminders
While it lacks some advanced safety tech like lane assist or adaptive cruise control, the eKUV100 meets the basic safety requirements for urban commuting.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable electric SUV with entry-level pricing
- Compact design ideal for city driving
- Efficient electric motor with decent range
- Regenerative braking improves efficiency
- Comfortable interior with modern infotainment
- Fast charging support
Cons:
- Limited top speed (90 km/h)
- Not ideal for highways or long trips
- Minimalistic safety features compared to premium EVs
- Smaller battery than some competitors, limiting long-distance travel
8. Pricing and Value
The Mahindra eKUV100 starts at around ₹8.25 lakh for the base variant and can go up to ₹8.75 lakh for the higher trims. Considering the cost of traditional fuel savings, low maintenance, and government EV incentives, it is one of the most affordable electric SUVs in India.
It provides value for first-time EV buyers, small families, and urban commuters who prioritize efficiency and practicality.
Conclusion
The Mahindra eKUV100 represents a significant step towards affordable, practical electric mobility in India. With its compact design, urban-friendly performance, decent range, and fast charging capability, it caters perfectly to city commuters and eco-conscious buyers.
While it is not designed for long highway journeys or luxury EV enthusiasts, its price-to-features ratio makes it a strong contender for those entering the EV segment for the first time. For daily urban use, the eKUV100 is reliable, efficient, and a sustainable choice in 2025.
FAQs
Q1. What is the range of Mahindra eKUV100?
ARAI-certified range is approximately 147 km per full charge.
Q2. How long does it take to charge the battery?
Home AC charging: 6–8 hours; Fast DC charging: 0–80% in 55 minutes.
Q3. What is the top speed?
The top speed is 90 km/h.
Q4. How many passengers can it seat?
It has seating for 5 passengers.
Q5. What are the drive modes available?
Eco, Normal, and Sport modes.
Q6. Does it have regenerative braking?
Yes, it recovers energy during deceleration to improve range.
Q7. What safety features are included?
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, speed alert.
Q8. Is it suitable for highway driving?
It is designed primarily for city driving; highway trips are limited due to top speed.
Q9. What colors are available?
Pearl White, Red Rage, and Dazzling Silver.
Q10. What is the battery warranty?
8-year warranty on the battery.
Q11. Is it an affordable electric SUV?
Yes, starting around ₹8.25 lakh, making it one of the cheapest electric SUVs in India.
Q12. Does it have touchscreen infotainment?
Yes, a 7-inch touchscreen supporting Bluetooth, USB, and navigation.
Q13. Can it accommodate a small family comfortably?
Yes, it comfortably seats five passengers.
Q14. Is the eKUV100 eco-friendly?
Yes, being fully electric, it produces zero tailpipe emissions.
Q15. Is it suitable for first-time EV buyers?
Absolutely, it’s designed for city commuting and entry-level EV users.
