Indian automaker Mahindra has unveiled its Thar.e concept, a rugged electric 4×4 that could potentially be available in the UK by the end of the decade. The Thar.e was showcased in Cape Town as part of Mahindra’s preview of its electric vehicle strategy, which includes plans to expand into the European and UK markets. Mahindra already has a presence in the UK through its Advanced Design center and Formula E team. Last year, the company unveiled five new UK-designed electric SUVs and expressed interest in launching them in the UK market if conditions were favorable.
Mahindra is now doubling down on its global expansion ambitions. The company is actively exploring the possibility of introducing its new ‘Born Electric’ SUV lineup in the UK and mainland Europe in the coming years. The Born Electric range consists of three stylishly designed electric crossovers, which were developed in Banbury and are based on a new architecture derived from the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. This partnership was established last year in Banbury.
The BE.05, BE.07, and BE.09 (named according to size) will be the first Mahindra cars to utilize this new platform called Inglo. Inglo is claimed to be one of the world’s lightest EV skateboards and features cell-to-pack batteries with capacities ranging from 60kWh to 80kWh. It also allows for charging at up to 175kW. Initially, the batteries for the Inglo platform will be sourced from Chinese manufacturer BYD, with Volkswagen eventually supplying cells to Mahindra. Volkswagen will also supply EV motors for all the Born Electric cars, including any production-spec Thar.e. The Thar.e will be available with either a 282bhp rear-driven powertrain or a secondary 106bhp unit on the front axle for four-wheel drive.
The first two models from the Born Electric range, the BE.05 and BE.07, are set to launch in October 2025 and April the following year, respectively. However, no specific launch dates were provided for the BE.09 and Thar.e.
The Thar.e concept envisions a spiritual successor to Mahindra’s popular Thar SUV, which is known for its affordability and rugged design similar to the Jeep Wrangler. The Thar.e adopts a rugged silhouette, sits high from the ground on Dakar-style suspension, and features beefy all-terrain tires. While the concept is an electric off-roader, a production version would likely have a more road-focused design.
Inside the cabin, the Thar.e blends minimalism with functionality, focusing on the essentials of off-road driving. It features a pivoting central screen, an array of grab handles, and a minimalist dashboard arrangement to cater to both urban and off-road adventures.
Veejay Nakra, Mahindra’s automotive boss, described the Thar.e as “a testament to innovation and a pioneering design philosophy that is uniquely Mahindra and distinctively global.” This suggests that there is potential for a production version of the Thar.e to be sold outside of India.
Before launching any electric SUVs in Europe, Mahindra plans to enter the global pick-up market with the production version of its Scorpio N concept. The Scorpio N is a ladder-framed Toyota Hilux rival that will offer competitive levels of technology and equipment, as well as the choice of petrol or diesel power. Mahindra is India’s largest pick-up manufacturer, and the reveal of the Scorpio N in Cape Town is significant, given the strong demand for light trucks in South Africa.
Nakra confirmed that the Scorpio N will be sold in left-hand drive but also expressed the potential for it to be available in the UK after the initial phase of Mahindra’s global expansion. He emphasized Mahindra’s strategy to not only enter new markets with new products but also to increase its market share in existing markets. Once Mahindra establishes a respectable market share in these markets, it will move on to phase two of its globalization plans and explore new markets.
In conclusion, Mahindra’s Thar.e concept represents the company’s vision for a rugged electric 4×4 that could potentially be available in the UK by the end of the decade. Mahindra is actively exploring the possibility of expanding its electric SUV lineup, known as the Born Electric range, into the UK and mainland Europe. The Thar.e concept, with its rugged design and off-road capabilities, imagines a spiritual successor to Mahindra’s popular Thar SUV. Before launching electric SUVs in Europe, Mahindra plans to enter the global pick-up market with its Scorpio N concept. Mahindra’s global expansion strategy aims to increase its market share in existing markets before exploring new markets in the future.