Please join us to discuss the top 10 electric three-wheelers in India. Electric three-wheelers, also known as e-rickshaws or e-autos, play a crucial role in India for several reasons, contributing to the country’s socio-economic and environmental objectives. Electric three-wheelers contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. As India faces significant air quality challenges, the adoption of electric vehicles, including three-wheelers, supports the country’s efforts to combat pollution and mitigate climate change. Do you know that electric three-wheelers make up to 83% of the total electric vehicle market?
The sales of electric three-wheelers are booming, and because of electricity, three-wheelers have lower operating costs and are easier to drive, which helps to allure passengers to go for them. The data shows that total three-wheeler sales in 2021–2022 were 1,72,543, and they reached 4,01,882 in 2022–2023. With the increasing sales of 2,29,339 units of electric three-vehicles, the sold units are expected to grow further.
If you are in search of electric three-wheelers, check out the given details to find out which one is best suited to you within your budget and offers umpteen features. Here are the top ten electric three-wheelers available in the Indian market:
Top 10 Electric Three-Wheelers in India
1. Mahindra Treo:
Mahindra, being one of the top electric manufacturers in India, launched the Mahindra Treo electric three-wheeler. It offers top-notch ride quality with ample space. Treo is a modern electric three-vehicle, and its cloud-based platform keeps track of range, speed, live tracking, and other details. Its side door has an in-built rear crash guard, which enhances its safety measures. Within a short period of time, Mahindra introduced the Treo and Treo Yarri electric three-wheelers to entice the customer.
Mahindra Treo is available for Rs. 1.70–Rs. 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The company claims its running cost is only 50 paise per km, so it is considered an economical ride. Treo comes with 10 hp of power and 42 Nm of torque. It takes four hours to complete the charging and provide a range of 141 km on a single charge. It has a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 7.37 kWH and offers a top speed of 55 km/h. Mahindra provides a battery warranty, which is for three years or 40,000 km.
2. Bajaj RE E TEC 9.0:
Another well-known electric three-wheeler manufacturer is Bajaj, and its Bajaj RE E TEC 9.0 is loaded with multiple features.
The price of Bajaj RE E TEC 9.0 is Rs. 3.07 to Rs. 3.17 lakh (ex-showroom). It has an 8.9 kWh of huge lithium-ion battery, and it offers 45 kmph top speed. It generates 6 hp of power and offers 178 km of range on a single charge. Its automatic transmission and tubeless radial tyres provide a smooth ride. The vehicle is suitable with an on-board charger and offers hassle-free long life.
3. Piaggio Ape E City:
It is another trusted three-wheeler manufacturer in the electric vehicle segment. This brand offers the option of swappable batteries. Piaggio has introduced multiple electric vehicles, but the Piaggio Ape E City is one of the foremost three-wheelers. It is India’s first three-wheeler, which includes a 4-stroke engine and 3-valve Italian technology.
Piagggio Ape E City is available for Rs. 1.95 to 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom price). It has a powerful motor of 7.24 hp and 29 Nm of torque, which assures high-quality performance. The company claimed a range of 110 km at full charge and a top speed of 45 kmph. It comes with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. It includes hydraulic shock absorbers, helical compression springs, and blue vision lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility.
4. Lohia Humsafar IAQ:
The Lohia Humsafar IAQ is a contemporary electric three-wheeler. Its modern design and comfy seats make it unique among others. Its additional technical features include a digital instrumental cluster and an easy battery swapping system.
Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs. 1.8 to 1.85 lakh. It has a 72 V, 120 AH lithium-ion NCA battery that gets fully charged in 4-5 hours. Its AC induction motor generates 10 kW of power. The company claimed a range of 110 km on a single charge, and it offers a top speed of 48 km/h. The gross weight of the three-wheeler is 990 kg, and it has a seating capacity of 4 people (1 driver and 3 passengers). It comes with 190mm of ground clearance, which is appropriate for all types of roads. Its safety features include an anti-theft system, hydraulic brakes, and seat belts.
5. Mahindra Treo Yaari SFT:
The price of Mahindra Treo Yaari SFT is Rs. 1.96 to Rs. 2.04 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 3.69 kWH that offers a range of 125 km on a single charge. It offers a top speed of 24.5 km/h and takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge a battery. The company claims its maintenance cost is 6 paisa per km. It comes with an AC induction motor that generates 2 HP of power with a maximum torque of 22 Nm. Its overall length and height are 2769mm and 1750 mm, with a 142 mm ground clearance.
The three-wheeler has a seating capacity of D+4 (driver + 4 passengers). It offers comfortable driving with its rear suspension, which includes a rigid axle, a leaf spring, and a front suspension consisting of coil springs, a damper, and a hydraulic shock absorber. The company offers a warranty of 3 years or 40000 km.
6. Kinetic Safar Smart:
Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solution Limited is a Pune-based electric vehicle company that has established itself as a leader in manufacturing highly competitive, environmentally friendly electric three-wheelers. They are excellent in design and performance. Safar Smart has enough leg room and headroom. Additionally, it includes an informative instrumental cluster, a mobile charging port, a reverse charge mode switch, and a state-of-charge (SOC) meter.
Kinetic Safar Smart is available for Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with a 1.2 kW BLDC motor, which generates 1.14 kW of power. It has a 48-volt lead-acid battery and takes around 2–3 hours to fully charge. It offers a range of 100 km/h and has a top speed of 25 kmph. It can carry up to 5 people (1 driver and 4 passengers).
7. Lohia Narain DX:
Lohia Auto was established in 2008 and has now emerged as the most reliable and leading brand in manufacturing electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The company is ready to contribute at the dawn of an environmentally friendly and sustainable era.
Lohia Narain starts at Rs. 1.65–Rs. 1.68 lakh. It has a 48-volt lead-acid battery with a capacity of 100 AH to 130 AH. It has a 1.4 kW BLDC motor that generates 87 HP of power. It offers a range of 100 km at full charge with a top speed of 25 kmph. It can carry 5 people (1 driver and 4 passengers). The weight of the vehicle is 360 kg, and it has a ground clearance of 170mm.
The additional features of the vehicle include a music system, a USB port, and a center view mirror.
8. Lohia Comfort Plus:
The Lohia Comfort Plus is the most comfortable and durable electric three-wheeler. Its vigorous handbrake system is able to handle the sudden motion. The advanced features include a USB port, a GPS tracker, an analog meter, a music system, and a mobile holder.
This electric vehicle is available for Rs. 1.55 lakh (ex-showroom price). It comes with a 48-volt lead-acid battery with a capacity of 100, 120, or 130 AH. It comes with a BLDC motor that generates 1.87 hp and offers a range of up to 100 km on a single charge. The weight of the vehicle is 380 kg, and its gross weight is 732 kg. It has alloy wheels with tubular chasis. Its safety features include a hard-top roof, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid box.
9. Atul Auto Elite Plus:
Atul Auto is considered the fastest-growing company in India. It provides a good range of electric three-wheelers to enhance electric development in India.
The price of the Elite Plus starts at Rs. 1.12– Rs 1.15 lakh. This electric vehicle is equipped with a straight hydraulic in the front suspension and a leaf spring in the rear suspension. It has a mechanical drum brake, and its halogen headlamp and strong metal roof ensure safety. It includes a lithium-ion battery with a 1.0 kW, 48 V brushless DC motor. It takes 8–10 hours to fully charge the battery, and its battery capacity is 12 Kwh. It has a seating capacity of 5 people (1 driver and 4 passengers). It can run up to 22 kmph and provides a range of 60–70 km per charge. The company offers a 3-year warranty for lithium-ion batteries.
10. Mayuri Deluxe Electric Rickshaw:
Mayuri Deluxe Electric Rickshaw is a popular three-wheeler.
The price range of this electric three-wheeler is Rs. 1.05 – Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). It can carry five passengers, including a driver. It is equipped with a 48-volt battery with a capacity of 130 AH. It takes 8–10 hours to fully charge. The company provides a 12-month warranty on batteries. The motor generates 1.34 hp of power and offers a range of 80–90 km. This electric three-wheeler can run up to 24 kmph.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, electric three-wheelers provide an eco-friendly environment that aligns with the country’s goals for sustainable and cleaner urban mobility. Their adoption is crucial to implementing India’s broader strategy for a greener transport system. Lead-acid battery vehicles are comparatively affordable, but their batteries are heavy in weight and take more time to charge the vehicle, so switching to lithium-ion batteries is a good option, but they are costly. While the manufacturers focus on the price range, battery technologies are continuously changing to cut down on the prices of the batteries, which will reduce the overall cost of electric vehicles.
