The Mahindra Thar is one of the best-known copycats of the Jeep Wrangler but it appears that its upcoming EV variant will look substantially different. An official teaser reveals parts of the Thar.e concept which is set to premiere in Mahindra’s “Futurescape” event to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, on August 15.
The concept is rumored to evolve into a production model that could be offered in global markets – which could explain the need of differentiating it from the Jeep. In the short video, we can see the LED headlights with a rounded square shape. The presumably blocked grille features asymmetrical Thar.e lettering, while the protruding bumper is left unpainted. We also get a glimpse of the LED taillights which remain quite similar to Jeep’s styling language. We don’t know the number of doors of the electric SUV concept, but we expect to find out soon.
More: Mahindra’s Wrangler Knockoff Thar Is Now Available In RWD From $12k In India
The company is coy on details, but the “Re.Born Electric” lettering on the yellow bodywork suggests that the Thar.e could be based on an EV-dedicated platform rather than using an electrified version of the existing model’s ladder-frame underpinnings.
Local media Rushlane speculates that the concept could ride on Mahindra’s Inglo EV architecture which was announced a year ago featuring common parts with VW Group’s MEB platform. In any case, the Mahindra Thar.e will likely offer AWD capability. The platform supports dual electric motors producing a combined 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), sourcing energy from battery packs with a capacity of up to 80 kWh.
While the ICE-powered Mahindra Thar is currently a three-door-only affair, fans of the nameplate are eagerly waiting for the more practical five-door bodystyle, with camouflaged prototypes making numerous spy appearances flaunting their stretched but similarly looking bodywork. Note that earlier this year, the automaker expanded the lineup of the Mahindra Thar with RWD variants joining the previously AWD-only range.
At the same event, Mahindra will show the Pick Up concept which is based on the Scorpio N and is expected to evolve into a production model by 2025.
