Indian manufacturer Mahindra has revealed a new concept electric SUV during an event in Cape Town. The Thar.e blends classic Jeep-style rugged looks with futuristic elements. The company has also teased a European launch of previously-revealed electric SUVs based on VW tech.

Mahindra & Mahindra, or just Mahindra in short, is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in India. It also still has a license to build Jeeps. This explains the very similar design of the new Thar.e concept car, which is an electric version of the existing Thar model.

Futuristic Jeep

The Thar.e combines a rugged design with some futuristic and minimalistic touches, blending the Jeep shape with angular Cybertruck-like elements. The inside, too, “blends minimalism with functionality, focusing on the essentials of off-road driving”.

On the technical side, not much is known, except that Thar.e is based on Mahindra’s Inglo platform (Indian global), which is based on VW’s MEB platform. This is the same platform of the Born Electric (BE) and XUV vehicles shown last year.

Mahindra coming soon to Europe?

Speaking of which, during the reveal of the Thar.e, Mahindra has reiterated its wish to enter the European market with the UK-designed BE model range, which consists of three sharp-looking SUVs.

They are equipped with VW electric motors of 231 to 395 hp and BYD Blade batteries with 60 to 80 kWh capacity. The first model, the compact BE 05, is set to launch in 2025, although there is no word yet when it may arrive on our continent.