Mahindra has debuted the Thar EV global concept, called the Thar.e at the carmaker’s Independence Day 2023 event in South Africa.
It is the five-door version of the original, and will be built from the ground up.
Expanding electric portfolio
Currently the XUV400 is the company’s only electric offering, which is based on the XUV300 sub-compact SUV.
However it did not make much waves, hence the ambition of the Thar.e making a bigger impact.
The company also revealed plans to unveil five ”born electric” SUVs by October 2026 and the Thar.e is one among them.
Exterior design
The Thar.e retains the boxy SUV silhouette from the current three-door Thar.
However there are several updated visual elements.
The closed grille features the “Thar.e” illuminated letters and is surrounded by squared elements.
There are illuminated bars which reflect on the slatted design of the original Thar.
It will be underpinned by a customized INGLO P1 platform, which also increases the wheelbase by 325mm.
The wheelbase ranges from approximately 2,775mm to 2,975mm, widened to accommodate the extra doors and battery pack.
Interior
The cabin is a departure from that of the current Thar.
There’s an upright dashboard design with a rectangular-shaped fully digital display and a two-spoke steering wheel.
The centre features a wide console which accommodates the gear lever, low-range gearbox, and drive modes.
Uniquely, there will be a water hose inside that can clean the cabin entirely after off-roading.
The company has also roped in musical composer, A R Rahman who has developed 75 sounds right from opening the door to different drive modes.
Battery
The electric Thar is powered by a big battery pack which offers a range of over 400 km.
The INGLO platform on which the architecture is based supports battery capacities ranging from 60 to 80 kWh along with fast charging capacities.
Mahindra has claimed that the new platform will allow its e-vehicles to charge up to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
Further details
It is expected to feature a dual electric motor setup with 4WD with terrain-specific drive modes as standard.
There are limited details considering this is just a concept version.
The company’s new electric plant will begin operations by March 2024, so the Thar.e may be launched towards later 2024 or early 2025.
It’s expected to be priced over Rs 25 lakh.
