On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, French automotive supplier Valeo officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing line for integrated 3-in-1 electric powertrains at its facility in Lonikand, Pune.
The event, attended by Velusamy R (President, Mahindra & Mahindra) and Xavier Dupont (CEO of Valeo’s Power Division), marks a critical milestone for India’s EV supply chain. Valeo has been selected as the lead supplier for Mahindra’s highly anticipated “Born Electric” (BE) SUV platform, which is set to hit Indian roads later this year.
The 3-in-1 e-Axle: Engineering Deep-Dive
Unlike traditional EV setups where components are housed separately, Valeo’s new Pune line produces a compact, integrated system that combines three core elements:
- Electric Motor: Featuring advanced U-Pin (Hairpin) winding technology for higher power density and thermal efficiency.
- Inverter: The “brain” of the powertrain, manufactured with full end-to-end traceability and digitalization.
- Reducer: The transmission system that optimizes torque delivery to the wheels.
Strategic Benefit: This “plug-and-play” architecture reduces vehicle weight, frees up cabin space (allowing for a “frunk” or larger interior), and simplifies the vehicle assembly process for Mahindra.
Facility Tech: Automation & Digitalization
The Lonikand plant has been upgraded with “Industry 4.0” capabilities to ensure global quality standards:
- Automated Stator Assembly: High-precision robotic lines for Hairpin winding, a first for Valeo in India.
- Full Digitalization: Every e-Axle produced has a “digital twin” stored in Valeo’s cloud, allowing for precise tracking of every bolt and weld throughout the component’s lifecycle.
- Localization: By manufacturing the e-Axle entirely in Pune, Valeo is helping Mahindra meet the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme’s domestic value-addition norms.
The Mahindra “Born Electric” Ecosystem
The Valeo inauguration completes a vital link in Mahindra’s ₹16,000 crore EV roadmap (FY22–FY27):
- Chakan Hub: Mahindra has already operationalized its ₹4,500 crore dedicated EV assembly and battery plant in Chakan, just kilometers away from Valeo’s unit.
- The “INGLO” Platform: Valeo’s powertrains will be the “heart” of the new BE.05, BE.07, and XUV.e series, which are designed from the ground up as electric-only vehicles.
Valeo’s “Elevate 2028” Strategy
India has emerged as a global R&D and manufacturing pillar for Valeo under its ‘Elevate 2028’ plan.
- Workforce: Over 7,500 employees in India, with 50% being engineers supporting global projects.
- Footprint: Six production facilities across Chennai, Pune, Sanand, and Gurugram.
- R&D: Global Tech Centres in Chennai and Bengaluru are currently developing software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures and advanced ADAS systems for the global market.
“This investment in Pune is not just about a new line; it’s about bringing our most advanced ‘3-in-1’ technology to the heart of India’s EV revolution. We are proud to power Mahindra’s vision for the future.” — Xavier Dupont, CEO, Valeo Power Division.
