Force Gurkha, the off-road SUV battle is about to get electrifying. Force Motors has been spotted testing what appears to be an electric version of their upcoming 5-door Gurkha, setting the stage for an epic showdown with Mahindra’s highly anticipated Thar EV. This development marks a crucial turning point in India’s electric off-road vehicle segment.
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The Electric Off-Road Revolution Begins
Picture this: the rugged trails of Indian terrain conquered not by roaring diesel engines, but by silent electric powertrains. Force Motors is gearing up to tackle the intensifying competition from Mahindra on all fronts including the electric version of Thar, and recent spy shots suggest they’re serious about electrifying their legendary off-roader.
The timing couldn’t be more strategic. With Mahindra gearing up to showcase 4 new concept vehicles on 15th August and one of them expected to be a close-to-production version, Force Motors appears determined not to let their rival dominate the electric off-road space unchallenged.
What Makes This Battle Fascinating
The Force Gurkha has always been the underdog alternative to the Thar’s mainstream appeal. While the current 3-door Gurkha produces modest figures with 91 hp of max power and 250 Nm of peak torque, the electric variant promises to revolutionize these numbers entirely.
The 5-door configuration addresses one of the Gurkha’s biggest limitations – practicality. The 2025 Gurkha 5 Door is 4390mm long, 1865mm wide and 2095mm tall with a 2825mm long wheelbase, making it significantly more family-friendly while maintaining its off-road DNA.
Electric Powertrain: Game-Changer or Compromise?
Here’s where things get interesting. While purists might worry about electric powertrains compromising off-road capability, the reality is quite different. Electric motors deliver instant torque – a crucial advantage when navigating challenging terrain. The silent operation could actually enhance the off-road experience, allowing drivers to hear obstacles and communicate better during difficult maneuvers.
The electric Gurkha will likely retain essential off-road features like low-range gearbox, all-wheel-drive system and differential locks, ensuring it doesn’t sacrifice capability for clean energy.
The Mahindra Thar EV Challenge
Mahindra’s Thar.e represents formidable competition. The Thar.e uses the new electric platform (INGLO) featuring V2L for external device powering and is capable of fast charging (175kW) with 80 per cent of the battery charging capability. This technological sophistication sets a high bar for Force Motors.
However, Force has an ace up their sleeve – international validation. Czech startup MW Motors’ Spartan EV 2.0 employs the chassis and bodyshell of Force Gurkha, with an entirely new electric powertrain, proving the platform’s adaptability to electric conversion.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
The pricing battle will be crucial. With the current Gurkha 3 door priced at Rs 14.10 lakh, its 5 door version could be priced higher by Rs 1-2 lakh. The electric version will likely command a premium, but Force’s traditionally aggressive pricing strategy could undercut Mahindra’s offering.
The 5-Door Gurkha will compete with the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-Door and Maruti Suzuki 5-Door Jimny, making it a three-way electric off-road battle that Indian consumers will ultimately win.
What This Means for Off-Road Enthusiasts
The electrification of off-road vehicles represents more than just a powertrain change – it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about adventure. Electric off-roaders offer silent exploration, reduced environmental impact, and potentially lower running costs without sacrificing the thrill of conquering challenging terrain.
For Force Motors, this electric Gurkha represents a chance to leapfrog Mahindra technologically while maintaining their cost advantage. Success here could reshape their entire brand perception from budget alternative to innovation leader.
The Road Ahead
As spy shots continue surfacing and launch dates approach, the electric off-road SUV segment is heating up. The Force Gurkha 5-door electric won’t just rival the Mahindra Thar EV – it might just redefine what Indian consumers expect from electric adventure vehicles.
The question isn’t whether electric off-roaders will succeed in India, but which brand will capture the imagination of adventure-seeking, environmentally conscious consumers first.
