The lifestyle SUV game in India is heating up — and Force Motors might be ready to jump into the electric ring. Fresh spy shots have revealed a new Force Gurkha test mule out on the roads. While the brand hasn’t confirmed anything yet, sources suggest that this could be an early prototype of the Force Gurkha EV. And if true, it would mark Force Motors’ bold entry into the off-road EV space, likely going head-to-head with the upcoming Mahindra Thar Electric.
Let’s dig into what we know so far.
Force Gurkha EV Spied Testing in Pune
Captured recently by automotive enthusiast Rohit S Shinde, the test mule in question was spotted with red temporary registration plates from Pimpri Chinchwad RTO, Pune — a familiar detail for Force Motors’ internal testing vehicles. The vehicle appears to be running without camouflage, suggesting that not much has changed externally.
And that’s a smart move.
Gurkha’s boxy, Mercedes G-Wagon-inspired silhouette is a big part of its appeal. An electric version retaining this rugged design would likely find favour among enthusiasts who want off-road presence with electric performance.
Why Now? Competing With Thar Electric
Force Motors might be looking to time its EV plans alongside Mahindra’s. Mahindra has confirmed it will showcase four new concepts on 15th August, with at least one being a near-production Thar Electric.
This could be Force’s answer. The company already holds a niche following among hardcore off-roaders. A rugged EV with real off-road capabilities could set the Gurkha EV apart from most electric SUVs in India — which are currently soft-roaders based on monocoque platforms.
If Force plays its cards right, it could become the first brand in India to offer a ladder-frame, go-anywhere electric SUV.
Design and Exterior: No Major Changes Expected
The test mule doesn’t show any dramatic styling updates. The upright grille, circular headlights, chunky cladding, and snorkel remain intact. If this is the EV version, Force Motors seems keen on maintaining the Gurkha’s recognizable look. This strategy would save on design costs and preserve the SUV’s rugged identity.
As of now, there are no official confirmations from Force Motors regarding the Gurkha EV’s specs, battery size, motor output, or range.
Could It Just Be a New Diesel Variant?
Interestingly, the spotted Gurkha wasn’t alone. It was part of a test convoy, which included another Gurkha SUV with a snorkel and red test plates. According to sources, this variant is believed to be running an updated version of the 2.6L diesel engine.
Currently, the 2.6L FM CR turbo-diesel engine delivers:
- 138 bhp
- 320 Nm of torque
- Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox
The updated version might aim to unlock better performance, possibly through ECU retuning or hardware tweaks. With the Mahindra Thar now offering both petrol and diesel options with multiple gearboxes, Force could be working to close that performance gap.
A Two-Pronged Strategy: Diesel and Electric
If these test vehicles are anything to go by, Force Motors might be working on a dual-pronged strategy:
- Updated Diesel Gurkha with more power to remain competitive in the ICE lifestyle SUV segment
- All-Electric Gurkha EV to enter the emerging electric off-roader space
That would give Force the ability to serve both traditional buyers and early adopters of electric mobility — a smart move considering how consumer preferences are evolving.
India Launch Timeline?
Since the test mule doesn’t carry heavy camouflage and is already hitting public roads, it’s likely that Force is in advanced testing stages. While there’s no official timeline, the Gurkha EV could make its debut in 2025, possibly after Mahindra reveals more on the Thar EV.
Expect more spy shots, teaser images, and official updates in the coming months.
Key Points
• New Force Gurkha test mule spotted testing near Pune with red registration plates
• Rumored to be an early prototype of the Force Gurkha EV
• Could rival upcoming Mahindra Thar Electric in the lifestyle electric SUV space
• No major exterior design changes spotted — retains boxy, rugged profile
• Another test mule may be running an updated 2.6L diesel engine
• Current diesel Gurkha makes 138 bhp and 320 Nm — update may push those numbers higher
• Force Motors has not yet confirmed the development of Gurkha EV
• India launch for EV version likely in 2025
The competition in the lifestyle SUV segment is about to get electrifying. If Force Motors successfully brings an EV version of the Gurkha to market, it could change the narrative for rugged electric SUVs in India. For now, all eyes are on the road — and the test mules.