The electric vehicle (EV) industry is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL) is at the forefront with its XEV 9e. This 79 kWh battery-powered vehicle has demonstrated exceptional charging capabilities, as showcased in a recent charging curve shared by Tesla Club India (TCIN). In this post, we explore the XEV 9e’s charging performance, break down the average power calculation, and discuss how this technology could reshape the future of electric mobility by addressing common EV concerns.
The charging curve data reveals that the Mahindra XEV 9e can charge from 20% to 81% State of Charge (SoC) in just 21 minutes using a high-power charger. This speed is driven by a peak charging power of 189.5 kW, surpassing Mahindra’s advertised peak of 175 kW. This real-world performance underscores the vehicle’s ability to leverage advanced infrastructure for faster charging than expected, a critical factor for EV practicality.
The charging curve provides a detailed look at how charging power varies across different SoC levels:
At 22% SoC: 182 kW
At 48% SoC: 189.5 kW (peak power)
At 64% SoC: 155 kW
At 74% SoC: 142 kW
At 80% SoC: 118 kW
At 81% SoC: 49.8 kW
These data points illustrate a typical EV charging pattern: power starts high, reaches a peak, and then gradually decreases as the battery fills. This reduction in power at higher SoC levels is a deliberate design to protect the battery’s health and ensure longevity. The sharp drop from 118 kW at 80% SoC to 49.8 kW at 81% SoC highlights this protective mechanism, making 80% a practical stopping point for time-efficient charging.
A key metric in evaluating charging performance is the average power delivered over a charging session. For the XEV 9e, the average power from 20% to 81% SoC is approximately 137 kW. Let’s dive into how this is calculated:
Energy added = 0.61 × 79 kWh = 48.19 kWh
For simplicity, this is often rounded to 48 kWh in practical discussions.
Time = 21 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.35 hours
Average power = 48 kWh ÷ 0.35 hours ≈ 137 kW
This 137 kW average power reflects the XEV 9e’s ability to maintain a high charging rate across the 20% to 81% SoC range, even as power tapers off at higher SoC levels. It’s a practical measure of efficiency, showing how much energy the vehicle can consistently absorb during a typical fast-charging stop, making it ideal for quick top-ups on the go.
The XEV 9e’s impressive charging performance is made possible by its compatibility with high-power chargers, specifically those rated over 400A. In this test, the charger delivered a peak current of 417A and a peak voltage of 465V. Here’s why these specifications matter:
Current (417A): Current is the flow of electricity into the battery. A higher current allows more energy to be transferred per unit time, directly contributing to faster charging. The 400A+ rating is essential for achieving the high power levels seen in the charging curve.
Voltage: Voltage is the electrical pressure that drives the current. Power (in kW) is calculated as current (A) multiplied by voltage (V), divided by 1,000. For the XEV 9e, the peak charging voltage at 417A to achieve 189.5 kW power is
Charging Voltage at Peak Power = (189.5 x 1000)/417 = 454.43V
Without a charger capable of delivering such high current and voltage, the XEV 9e’s charging performance would be limited, underscoring the importance of compatible infrastructure for unlocking an EV’s full potential.
Mahindra advertises the XEV 9e’s peak charging rate at 175 kW, a respectable figure for its class. However, the charging curve data reveals a peak of 189.5 kW under optimal conditions. This discrepancy highlights the vehicle’s potential to outperform its specifications when paired with high-power chargers capable of delivering over 400A of current. It’s a promising sign that advancements in both EV design and infrastructure can unlock greater performance than initially promised.
The XEV 9e’s charging prowess has broader implications for EV adoption. Two common barriers—range anxiety (fear of running out of charge) and charging station anxiety (concern over availability and speed of chargers)—can be significantly alleviated with this level of performance:
With widespread deployment of such chargers and EVs built to leverage them, the days of worrying about range or charging delays could soon be behind us.
The Mahindra XEV 9e’s charging performance marks a significant step forward for electric vehicles. By delivering an average power of 137 kW, exceeding its advertised 175 kW peak with a real-world 189.5 kW, and showcasing compatibility with cutting-edge chargers, it sets a new standard for convenience and efficiency. As charging infrastructure expands to meet these capabilities, range and charging station anxiety could become relics of the past, paving the way for EVs to become the preferred choice for drivers everywhere.
What do you think about the role of charging technology in the future of EVs? Let us know in the comments!
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Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.