The Mahindra XEV 9S is more than a futuristic 7-seater electric SUV — it’s a landmark in India’s journey toward becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.Built on Mahindra’s cutting-edge INGLO platform and powered by Volkswagen’s MEB battery technology, the XEV 9S represents the brand’s most ambitious production rollout yet.
As Mahindra prepares for its official debut on 26–27 November 2025, all eyes are now on how, when, and where this EV will be built — and when the first customers can expect to receive their deliveries.
Here’s a deep dive into the production site, localization strategy, supplier ecosystem, and delivery roadmap for Mahindra’s next flagship EV.
1. Production Facility — Chakan, Pune: The Heart of Mahindra’s EV Revolution
The Mahindra XEV 9S will be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, which serves as the core of Mahindra’s future-ready electric strategy.
About the Chakan EV Facility (Phase II Expansion)
- Location: Chakan Industrial Belt, Pune, Maharashtra
- Phase II Capacity: Over 200,000 electric SUVs per year (combined BE, XUV.e, and XEV models)
- Investment: ₹10,000+ crore allocated for EV expansion between 2024–2027
- Dedicated EV Assembly Line: Fully automated body and battery assembly lines for the INGLO platform
- Advanced Paint & Testing Unit: Uses low-VOC water-based coatings and AI-based quality scanners
Why Chakan Matters
This facility represents Mahindra’s transition from ICE vehicles to EV manufacturing at scale. It houses robotic battery-pack integration, high-voltage safety testing, and thermal management calibration zones — crucial for building world-class electric SUVs.
2. Localization & Supplier Ecosystem — The “Make in India” Advantage
Mahindra is positioning the XEV 9S as a highly localized EV, balancing global technology with Indian manufacturing to reduce costs and qualify for domestic incentives.
Localization Targets
- Initial Localization (2025 launch): 60%
- Target by 2026–27: 75–80% localization
- Localized Components: Body panels, wiring harnesses, interiors, and infotainment systems
- Imported Components: Battery modules, power electronics, and electric motors (initially from VW MEB system)
Mahindra’s localization approach is built around cluster-based supplier integration in Pune, Nashik, and Chennai — allowing seamless supply chain flow and cost optimization.
3. Battery Sourcing & Technology — Powered by Global Partnerships
The XEV 9S’s most advanced component — its battery system — comes from Mahindra’s global collaboration with Volkswagen Group and LG Chem.
Battery Partnership Highlights
- Cell Technology: Volkswagen’s MEB unified prismatic cell pack
- Pack Assembly: Mahindra’s in-house battery module integration at Chakan
- Supplier Support: LG Chem and BYD India for localized cell production feasibility
- Voltage Architecture: 800V system supporting up to 180 kW DC fast-charging
- Battery Cooling: Liquid-cooled module design tested for Indian temperature cycles
The partnership ensures the XEV 9S benefits from German precision engineering while maintaining Indian cost competitiveness through localized integration.
4. Testing & Validation — Built to Withstand India
Before production begins, every Mahindra XEV 9S prototype goes through an extensive global validation cycle across multiple conditions and terrains.
Testing Phases
- Winter Tests: Sweden & Austria for battery thermal resilience
- Heat & Humidity Tests: Chennai and Ahmedabad
- High-Altitude Endurance: Manali and Ladakh
- Urban Drive Calibration: Pune and Bengaluru
- Safety & Crash Testing: ARAI-certified facilities and Mahindra’s Nashik proving grounds
By the end of 2025, over 250 prototype vehicles will have completed testing, ensuring top-notch reliability across India’s climate and road network.
5. Production Timeline — From Prototype to Showroom
Mahindra has structured the XEV 9S’s production rollout in five major phases, ensuring smooth transition from prototype to customer-ready units.
| Phase | Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype Manufacturing | Jan – Mar 2025 | Validation vehicles, internal testing |
| Pre-Production Units (Pilot) | May – Aug 2025 | Final calibration, supplier testing |
| Production Readiness | Sept – Oct 2025 | Assembly line validation at Chakan |
| Mass Production Begins | Nov 2025 | Official line-off ahead of Scream Electric event |
| First Customer Deliveries | Feb – Mar 2026 | Initial batches reach showrooms |
Key Milestone
The first XEV 9S production unit is expected to roll off the Chakan assembly line in November 2025, aligning with the Scream Electric event (26–27 November) — marking the SUV’s official debut.
6. Delivery Timeline — What Buyers Can Expect
Mahindra plans a phased delivery rollout starting early 2026, prioritizing major metro cities first, followed by Tier-2 markets.
Expected Delivery Schedule
- Phase 1 (Feb – Apr 2026): Deliveries in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune
- Phase 2 (May – Jul 2026): Expansion to Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata
- Phase 3 (Aug – Dec 2026): Nationwide coverage through Mahindra’s EV dealer network
Mahindra has already confirmed dedicated EV experience zones at select dealerships, offering test drives, home-charging setup support, and immersive delivery experiences.
7. Localization Partners — Indian Expertise Meets Global Tech
Mahindra has built an extensive supplier network for the XEV 9S, combining domestic tier-1 vendors with global technology partners.
Key Indian Partners
- Bosch India: Motor control units and inverter systems
- Motherson Group: EV-specific wiring harnesses and cockpit modules
- Uno Minda: Smart lighting components and sensors
- Sundaram Clayton: Aluminum castings for lightweight chassis elements
- Exide Energy: Exploring localized cell assembly partnerships for 2026–27
These partnerships reinforce Mahindra’s vision of creating a self-reliant EV supply chain that reduces import dependency while boosting India’s industrial base.
8. Export Strategy — Expanding Beyond India
Mahindra isn’t building the XEV 9S just for domestic buyers — it’s also preparing for export to right-hand-drive global markets starting in 2027.
Target Export Destinations
- United Kingdom — Mahindra’s design hub markets for brand credibility
- Australia — A growing EV market with SUV demand
- South Africa — A key historical export region for Mahindra
- Middle East (UAE, Oman) — Early demand for premium EVs
Export units will share the same platform and specifications but may receive region-specific software and ADAS calibration.
9. Mahindra’s “Born Electric” Manufacturing Philosophy
The XEV 9S is the first ground-up EV to roll out under Mahindra’s Born Electric Manufacturing ethos — combining automation, sustainability, and digital quality control.
Production Highlights
- 100% Renewable Energy Usage: Solar-powered assembly lines at Chakan.
- AI-Powered Robotics: Real-time defect scanning and laser-guided assembly.
- Battery Recycling Initiative: Partnership with RePurpose Global for closed-loop recovery.
- Zero Waste Paint Process: 90% water recycling and low-emission paints.
Each XEV 9S produced will carry a “Made Responsibly in India” tag — reflecting Mahindra’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
10. Final Verdict — India’s EV Manufacturing Milestone
The Mahindra XEV 9S marks the beginning of a new manufacturing era — where India isn’t just assembling EVs but engineering and exporting them at global standards.
With its high localization, global partnerships, and advanced Chakan facility, Mahindra is setting the stage for sustained EV leadership in both domestic and international markets.
Quick Recap
✅ Built at Chakan, Pune – India’s EV hub
✅ 60–75% localization with global supply integration
✅ First production in Nov 2025
✅ Deliveries from Feb 2026
✅ Export expansion by 2027
For Indian buyers, this means one thing: the XEV 9S isn’t a concept — it’s a reality being built right now.
FAQs — Mahindra XEV 9S Production & Delivery
Q1. Where will the Mahindra XEV 9S be produced?
At Mahindra’s Chakan EV manufacturing facility (Phase II) in Pune, Maharashtra.
Q2. When does production start?
Mass production begins in November 2025, with deliveries expected from February 2026.
Q3. What is the localization level?
Around 60% at launch, rising to 75–80% by 2027.
Q4. Which companies supply batteries for the XEV 9S?
Mahindra’s battery packs use Volkswagen MEB cells, with assembly done locally and partnerships with LG Chem and Exide Energy.
Q5. Will the XEV 9S be exported?
Yes, to right-hand-drive markets such as the UK, Australia, and South Africa starting 2027.
