German automotive supplier Mahle has opened a new production facility for electric compressors in Coimbatore, India, with annual production expected to exceed 300,000 units once the facility reaches full capacity. The €7 million investment expands Mahle’s local manufacturing capabilities for electric vehicle components and will supply both the Indian market and international customers.
The company says the facility is the first in India dedicated to manufacturing electric compressors and is expected to create around 50 new jobs.
E-Compressors Support EV Thermal Management
Electric compressors are an important component of thermal management systems in battery-electric vehicles because they operate independently of the vehicle’s drivetrain.
In addition to controlling cabin temperature, the compressors support battery temperature management. Keeping a battery within its optimal operating temperature range can contribute to battery life, charging performance and vehicle range.
The new production line therefore expands Mahle’s portfolio of components supporting electric vehicle thermal management and electrified powertrains.
Production to Exceed 300,000 Units
Mahle has invested €7 million in the new production line at its Coimbatore site.
Once operating at full capacity, the facility is expected to manufacture more than 300,000 electric compressors annually. Production will serve customers in India as well as Mahle’s global customer base.
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The investment is also expected to increase local manufacturing activity and employment, with around 50 new positions associated with the facility.
Mahle Expands EV Activities in India
Mahle already has an established presence in India’s electric mobility sector.
At its Coimbatore operations in Tamil Nadu, the company manufactures traction motors and control units for electric two- and three-wheelers. The site has also included a development centre since 2023, supporting activities such as product validation.
The new compressor production line adds another electric vehicle component to Mahle’s local manufacturing portfolio.
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The company said the investment supports the Indian government’s Make in India 2.0 initiative and is intended to increase local value creation.
Mahle Develops Additional Electrification Technologies
The new compressor facility is part of Mahle’s wider expansion in technologies for electrified vehicles.
The supplier is also developing a range extender for battery-electric trucks that combines a high-voltage generator with a compact internal combustion engine.
Mahle is additionally developing an electric motor without rare-earth permanent magnets for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
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Ivan Lenehan, Vice President MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia, said the new facility strengthens Mahle’s presence in India as the automotive industry moves toward electrification.
“India continues to play an increasingly important role in the global mobility transformation. This facility strengthens our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets and reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions,” said Ivan Lenehan, Vice President MAHLE Powertrain and Charging, India, China & East Asia.
Dr. Roger Busch, MAHLE Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board, said the next two to three years will be important for EV adoption in India.
“India is one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets. The next two to three years will be pivotal for the further spread of electric vehicles,” said Dr. Roger Busch, MAHLE Chief Sales Officer and Member of the Executive Board.
Mahle plans to support the growth of electric mobility in India through its local technology and manufacturing operations while targeting significant sales growth in the market.