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In a significant revelation at the prestigious Futurescapes showcase in South Africa, renowned automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra has captured headlines with important announcements. The event showcased the cutting-edge tractor range and introduced the global pick-up derived from the Scorpio SUV. Additionally, the company unveiled the 5-door Thar.E concept on the NGLO-P1 platform.
The Mahindra Thar Electric, or Thar.E, is designed with lightweight body construction and an expanded battery capacity. The electric SUV concept features a wheelbase ranging from 2776 mm to 2976 mm, incorporating minimal overhang. Mahindra has enhanced the tire size and ground clearance, increasing it by 300 mm. The company claims that the 5-door Thar.E concept will outperform its competitors in aspects such as approach angle, departure angle, ramp-over angle, and water wading capacity, promising exceptional off-roading capabilities. The design and style of the 5-door Thar.E concept distinguish it from the current Thar model.
Design Elements of Thar.E Concept
The design elements include a retro-styled stance with a square front, rectangular grille, a new design front bumper reminiscent of a hammer, and a compact windshield. This off-road concept SUV boasts two square LED DRL signatures, a flat roof, and a side profile that accentuates its large wheels and off-road tires. The rear features LED taillamps, a blacked-out profile, and an integrated spare wheel in the rear tailgate.
Especially noteworthy, both the 3-door and 5-door variants of the Mahindra Thar Electric share a common rear powertrain and battery configuration. Mahindra is partnering with Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD for blade and prismatic cells. The electric Thar is expected to feature a 4WD system with dual motors on each axle.
Mahindra’s Lineup of Four Electric SUVs
The company has also unveiled the launch timeline for its four upcoming electric SUVs – XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, and BE.07. The Mahindra XUV.e8, an electric version of the XUV700, is set to hit the roads in December 2024. Following this, XUV.e9 is slated for an April 2025 launch, BE.05 in October 2025, and BE.07 in April 2026.
This strategic move by Mahindra highlights the company’s commitment to advancing in the electric vehicle sector. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Mahindra aims to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers while contributing to a greener future.
Mahindra’s unveiling of the Thar Electric concept and the timeline for its upcoming electric SUVs marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry’s transition towards electrification. The Thar.E concept showcases cutting-edge design elements and off-road capabilities, setting the stage for the future of electric SUVs in the market. As the industry embraces sustainable mobility solutions, Mahindra’s commitment to electric vehicles positions it as a key player in shaping the future of transportation.
