Force Gurkha Goes Electric: A threat to Mahindra Thar Electric?

Force Motors is launching the electric Gurkha to compete directly with Mahindra’s Thar Electric, promising rugged off-road capability with zero emissions. Discover what this new EV off-roader offers.

By Utsav Chaudhary

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Jul 14, 2025 06:46 am IST

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The four-wheeler passenger electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, with numerous players entering the arena. The latest addition to this list is the Force Gurkha. The brand has shaken up the market with Gurkha, and now they are planning to launch the electric version of Gurkha.

Recent spy photos of a camouflaged Force Gurkha, seen as a test analysis with red registration plates badged with the front fascia of the car. As of now, there is official news. However, some media reports suggest that the brand is planning to launch the electric version of the Gurkha. The upcoming Gurkha Electric will be ready to give a fierce challenge to the upcoming Mahindra Thar Electric.

The Force Gurkha Legacy

The Force Gurkha has been a top contender among off-road enthusiasts. Considering its design, the off-roader SUV was built rugged with 4x4 traction capabilities. The design of the Gurkha seems to resemble that of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. The SUV has established itself as India’s versatile off-roader, featuring manual differential locks, a factory-installed snorkel, and remarkable water-wading capabilities. Under the hood, the vehicle is powered by a robust 2.6L diesel engine that generates 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque.

The Electric Gurkha: What We Know

In July 2025, a new Force Gurkha prototype was spotted testing in Pune. The vehicle was fully camouflaged and had temporary red registration plates. This reveals that the car was the pre-production unit. However, Force Motors has not confirmed anything official about its powertrain, electronics, and specifications.

Also Read: Force Teases Gurkha 5-Door, Set to Compete with Thar and Jimny

What We Can Expect

As the brand has revealed nothing. We can expect a few from the all-new Gurkha EV. While official specifications remain under wraps, expectations are high that the electric Gurkha will retain its position in the EV market as well. Some of the possible features we can see are as follows:

Rugged Ladder-Frame Chassis
4x4 with Locking Differentials
High ground clearance & snorkel for water fording and challenging conditions.
Modern ergonomics is likely to include a digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, and improved safety features.

The battery capacity, range, and motor output are yet to be disclosed. However, the Gurkha’s main electric rival, the Mahindra Thar Electric, is expected to offer a range of around 300-400 km with off-road capabilities.

What to Expect: Features and Pricing

The current Force Motors Gurkha models are priced from Rs 16.75 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). So we can expect the pricing to be similar to or more than the diesel predecessors. Some possible features likely to carry over from the diesel variant to the electric include:

4WD with shift-on-the-fly
Manual and automatic locking differential
Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity
Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, and TPMS
Seating for 4-7 occupants, depending on the model or variant available

Conclusion:

The Force Gurkha wants to redefine the off-road SUV segment, and this time, they are ready to go electric. As the electric off-roader race heats up, buyers can look forward to more choices, advanced technology, and sporty, rugged design. Many other models are under the portfolio for electrification, such as the Traveller EV, the upcoming Urbania EV, and the potential Gurkha EV.