Valvoline India channels Formula E learnings into EV lubricants and Mahindra aftermarket growth

Valvoline India is applying fluid-development work with Mahindra Racing in Formula E to EV and high-performance products for India, while expanding aftermarket supplies to Mahindra under the Maximile brand. The company is targeting double-digit market share from a high single-digit base.

— Source published Wed, 19 Aug, 2026, 17:35 IST · First seen Wed, 19 Aug, 2026, 18:50 IST · Source NDTV Profit

What happened

Valvoline India · Valvoline is using Formula E fluid-development work with Mahindra Racing to develop EV and high-performance lubricants for Indian road

Key facts

  • 50:50 joint venture
  • 1998
  • Rs 2,300 crore revenue
  • high single-digit market share
  • double-digit market-share ambition
  • March 2026

Why this matters

Mahindra’s aftermarket network validates OEM-linked partnerships as a route to EV consumables scale, making further alliances with EV makers, service chains or racing-tech partners strategically attractive.

What to watch

  • Mahindra designating Valvoline or Maximile as an approved/recommended supplier for EV service fluids.
  • New Mahindra EV launches and disclosed service-maintenance intervals or coolant and driveline-fluid specifications.
  • Growth in Valvoline India's OEM and aftermarket revenue mix, distributor additions and stated market-share progress.
  • Launch of Formula E-derived EV thermal-management fluids localized for Indian climate and price points.
  • Independent workshop adoption rates for EV servicing and growth of organized EV fleet operators.
  • Competitor responses from Castrol, Shell, Gulf, Mobil and OEM-branded aftermarket programs.
  • Launch Mahindra-compatible EV coolant, transmission-fluid and thermal-management ranges with explicit OEM-fitment messaging.
  • Use Formula E content in dealer, mechanic and fleet training to establish technical differentiation rather than relying only on consumer advertising.
  • Bundle Maximile products with Mahindra service schedules, extended-warranty programs and workshop digitization initiatives.
  • Expand distribution into organized multi-brand EV workshops and fleet maintenance networks before EV fluid demand scales.
  • Track whether Mahindra's EV model launches create proprietary fluid specifications that favor approved suppliers.