Design takes centre-stage as carmakers re-invent the wheel for EVs
“When most things become the same, it’s only the design that differentiates,” says Pratap Bose, chief design officer, auto and farm sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, who has crafted a new design language for its upcoming range of electric SUVs. All the models-- including the electrified models based on the existing fossil fuel-based models and the born electric (developed ground up) ones will be based on the company’s newly developed INGLO architecture but will have their own distinctive identity, explained Bose.
Earlier there was engine and engine capacity, today the electric powertrain is becoming much more democratic, he said.
One of the reasons why one sees so many companies that were not even carmakers, looking to develop cars. “Therefore, what you are left with is design – and that is an opportunity,” he stated.
The born electric platforms do not share any commonality with internal combustion engines (ICE) and requires an array of changes that range overall look and appeal, tech intensity which includes enhances human machine interface, energy efficiency, new and refreshed and futuristic design language and a vehicle architecture which is efficient, lightweight, and able to maximize the range.
