Mahindra is in the process of re-inventing itself. And part of that re-invention involves an all new stylesheet. We’ve already seen the path that will be taken by its BE and XUV.E range and now comes an all new direction for the Thar. A radical departure from the earlier Thar off roaders, what’s plain to see is that the Thar.E gets rid of the earlier CJ related design cues in one fell swoop. And it is clear that it has been designed to convey it is an off roader and EV at the same time.
Mahindra Thar Electric; off roader for a new age
The Thar.E on its raised Baja type suspension has been designed to look like it can go practically anywhere. The upright form, boxy dimensions and squared off fenders have been used to convey serious off road ability. Similar styling cues have also been used on the Land Rover and early Land Cruiser. The surface is made up of ‘flat’ panels’ some with corrugations, exposed hinges and big boxy fenders. The new face of the Thar consists of a pair of quartered and square headlight units set in a rectangular grille. A big chunky front bumper completes the new look. The rear section of the concept has been blacked out to make it look more compact.
Mahindra Thar Electric: will use INGLO P1 platform
The Thar EV will use a modified version of Mahindra’s new dedicated EV platform known as the P1. The INGLO (INdia GLObal) platform will also underpin five other all new electric SUVs. The skateboard platform is modular and variable in length, wheelbase and height. The wheelbase can be altered by 130mm. But the P1, on which the Thar.E will be built is said to have a wheelbase that will be approximately between 2775mm and 2975mm or almost three meters.The extra length is added between the firewall and the hub of the front wheel, according to a diagram released by Mahindra.
Mahindra will initially source its INGLO batteries and motor from BYD, for the earlier models like the XUV.e8, but the Thar.e will likely use more powerful motors sourced from Volkswagen. These currently put out 80KW and 210KW for the front and rear axle respectively, but this power figure could change. Also with 135Nm and 535Nm respectively, coming in from idle speed, there may not be a need for a low range transfer case.
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