Mahindra’s EV Partners: Hardware & Software Collaboration for XEV 9e & BE 6

As I explored Mahindra’s latest electric vehicles, the XEV 9e and BE 6, I was impressed by the extensive global cooperation that supports these innovative cars.

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This information comes from an infographic designed by Kashvi Bansal, an Editorial Designer at The Ken, a research media firm based in Bangalore, and an article titled “Mahindra’s new EVs promise the future, but the software is … still loading” published on The Ken’s website.

Let me share the details of the hardware and software partnerships that make these vehicles a worldwide effort.

I started with the hardware, where I found many top suppliers contributing advanced components.

Global Partnerships for Hardware Excellence

Mahindra collaborated with leading international companies to equip its EVs with high-quality components:

• Bosch (Germany) – Provides the Vehicle Control Unit, which manages the car’s operations.
• Valeo (France) – Supplies the integrated electric motor and transmission.
• Mobileye (Israel) – Delivers advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for safer driving.
• Qualcomm (USA) – Powers the AI and 5G connectivity features.

HL Mando provides the steering and braking systems for safety and control. Goodyear supplies low-rolling resistance and acoustic tires for a quiet and efficient ride. Tenneco offers shock absorbers, and Lear MSKH provides ventilated seating for comfort.

BYD’s battery cells power the electric system, while Valeo’s integrated inverter, transmission, and electric motor, along with Bosch’s Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) and on-board charger module, bring European technology.

Mahle’s HVAC system ensures a pleasant cabin temperature, and Marelli Lumax’s LED headlamps add modern lighting. Qualcomm’s automotive chipset supports advanced connectivity, and glass from Webasto, Saint-Gobain, and Asahi India Glass Ltd. enhances safety with laminated windshields and sunroofs.

Even the audio, powered by Harman Kardon, and Continental’s airbag control modules and ADAS sensors show the global scope of this project.

Moving to software, I discovered more impressive partnerships. Mobileye’s EyeQ system-on-chip supports Level-2 ADAS features and over-the-air (OTA) updates for autonomous driving.

Vector’s MAIA SDV platform provides middleware for high-performance computing and zonal ECUs.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions enable AI and 5G connectivity. SIBROS also contributes, though its specific role is not fully detailed, adding to the technology mix.

As I reviewed this global collaboration, I was impressed by Mahindra’s effort to bring together expertise from Asia, Europe, and North America, as clearly and as detailedly illustrated in the infographic.

However, Ken’s article pointed out challenges.

Despite the strong hardware, buyers are experiencing delays and software issues, such as problems with digital keys and touchscreens.

Software Issues Affecting Performance

Early adopters have reported several software-related problems:

1. Unreliable Digital Keys
   • Some owners faced issues where the digital key failed to function, requiring software updates before the car could be driven.
2. System Freezes and Lag
   • The infotainment system, including the multi-screen dashboard, has been reported to freeze or respond slowly.
3. Inconsistent ADAS Performance
   • The automated parking feature and other ADAS functions do not always work as intended, possibly due to inadequate calibration for Indian road conditions.
4. Delayed Over-the-Air Updates
   • While Mahindra promised regular software updates to improve functionality, many users still await critical fixes.

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This mix of advanced technology and current difficulties prompted me to consider the challenges of integrating so many components.

For me, this exploration showed the strength of global partnerships in advancing electric vehicles.

Mahindra’s use of leading suppliers reflects a focus on quality, but the software problems remind us that integrating these technologies is complex.

I look forward to seeing how Mahindra addresses these issues to fulfil the promise of a modern driving experience.

This deep dive has increased my respect for the global teamwork behind these EVs.

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