Mahindra Electric Automobiles Limited has unveiled the  “Vision Thar.e” at its Futurescape event in Cape Town, South Africa. The Thar.e won’t be an electric conversion of the ICE Thar, but it will be an entirely new electric off-roader developed grounds up as part of the ‘Born Electric’ range.

The Thar.e exterior crafts a unique boxy design, different to the current-gen Thars. On the design front, the Thar.e features an upright front fascia with clean horizontal lines and a rectangular blanked-off grille with squarish LED headlamps on either side.   The geometric surfaces, boxy dimensions and squared-off fenders lend the Thar EV a robust look while the near-vertical windows maximize space and create a commanding presence. The blacked-out rear gets a spare wheel on the tailgate and squarish LED tail lamps.

Elements like a central pivoting screen, robust grab handles, and an uncluttered layout will emphasize the interior. The electric SUV will also have a water hose inside that can clean the cabin entirely after off-roading. The company is yet to reveal more information on the interior.

Mahindra has confirmed that the Thar.e will use a modified version of Mahindra’s INGLO platform that also underpins five other all-new electric SUVs. According to Mahindra, the INGLO-P1 platform will offer increased ground clearance and the best off-road capability. The Thar EV is said to have a wheelbase from 2,775m – 2,975mm to accommodate the extra doors and battery pack.

The Thar.e concept will stay true to the Thar’s off-road character. It will have a 4×4 set-up and a quad-motor system. The concept could also offer capabilities like ‘crab steer’ or ‘crab walk’ capability, where all four wheels will turn to a near-45-degree angle, allowing the SUV to roll sideways into tight parking spots, or even perform a 360-degree turn on the spot like the Hummer EV or even the upcoming electric G-Class prototype.

The Thar.e is expected to be launched towards late 2024 or early 2025.