“Battery Electric Vehicle Is the Long-Term Goal—That’s Non-Stop”: Mahindra’s R Velusamy Charts India’s EV Future

As India navigates its unique path toward sustainable mobility, R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director of Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., is unequivocal about the company’s direction towards BEVs.

“Battery electric vehicle is the long-term goal. That’s non-stop,” he declared at the Future Powertrain Conclave in Chennai organised by Autocar Professional and Guidance Tamil Nadu.

Velusamy’s message is clear: India must not blindly mimic global EV transitions.

“India is a different story. Buying behaviour, per capita income, and driving habits are all different. We must create our reference point,” he emphasised, urging policymakers to tailor their strategies to local realities.

A Multi-Pathway Strategy for India

While Mahindra remains a dominant player in diesel-powered SUVs, Velusamy acknowledged the need for a phased transition, especially in high-load, long-range vehicle segments.

“In the short and medium term, range extenders and strong hybrids can play a role,” he said.

“Diesel is a very, very good contender in terms of fuel efficiency,” particularly for D and E-segment SUVs and commercial vehicles.

However, he was clear that these are interim solutions—not the endgame.

“Our focus as an SUV and small truck player has been EV… eventually, we are pivoting to electric.”

Policy Stability: The Need of the Hour

Velusamy called on both central and state governments to maintain consistency in EV policies critical for enabling R&D and investment in vehicle development.

“We will take three years to develop a vehicle and then make significant investments, hoping that the policies in place three years prior will remain unchanged. Therefore, that stability is more important.”

He cautioned against policy rollbacks, citing the reintroduction of road tax on electric vehicles by some states.

“You should allow this young, budding seed to grow like a small plant, and then it can become a tree, right? You cannot kill it in the bud.”

Velusamy urged the extension of the 5% GST rate and the continuation of state-level incentives until electric vehicles (EVs) reach broader affordability.

“If your goal is to go electric, focus on that; maintain consistency in regulations to keep the electric moving forward.”

EVs as a Software and Employment Engine

Beyond clean mobility, Velusamy framed EVs as a strategic opportunity for India to lead in next-generation vehicle software and systems innovation.

“Electric vehicles bring a lot of software, and it is an added advantage for India. When you bring in the software content into the vehicle, it is a huge job opportunity.”

“In addition, you will become the number one player in the world in quick time with the software.”

Mahindra’s Investment and Product Roadmap

A major financial commitment and a strategic product approach are underpinning Velusamy’s vision. Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a Rs. 37,000 crore investment in the automotive sector by FY27, of which ₹16,000 crore is earmarked for electric vehicles.

The company plans to launch 23 new vehicles by 2030, comprising 9 internal combustion engine (ICE) SUVs, 7 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and 7 light commercial vehicles. Flagship EVs, such as the BE 6e and XUV.e9, will begin deliveries shortly, as with PV production capacity expected to scale from 90,000 to 200,000 units annually.

Future models, such as the BE.07, BE.09, and XUV.e8, will be based on Mahindra’s Born Electric platform, which is built on the INGLO architecture. By FY27, the company aims for electric vehicles to comprise at least 20% of total SUV sales.

A Call for National Alignment

In closing, Velusamy reminded the audience that India’s transition to clean mobility is as much about values as it is about vehicles.

“We have to go beyond everything else. That is for our mother nature—and our children.”

He emphasized that the journey must be long-term, consistent, and grounded in India’s industrial strength rather than being driven solely by environmental goals or short-term policies.

Velusamy’s call is not just for Mahindra but for India: to back its EV ambitions with policy, product, and purpose.