A mainstay of India’s automotive industry, Bajaj Auto is a world leader in the production of three-wheelers (3Ws), dominating both the two-wheeler (2W) and three-wheeler (3W) segments of the passenger vehicle (PV) and commercial vehicle (CV) markets.
The Project: Bajaj’s Economical Electric Rickshaw
Known for its innovative work in the field of electric three-wheelers, the company is now setting out to develop an easier-to-use electric three-wheeler platform in an effort to divert Indian consumers from unbranded import kits and toward more dependable, safer alternatives. The MD of the company, Rajiv Bajaj, confirmed the company’s continuous efforts to create a cheap electric 3W vehicle in an interview with CNBC TV18. Designed to be a flexible base, this car might eventually give rise to a variety of body types to suit a wide range of consumer demands.
Bajaj feels obligated to steer the 3W market in the proper direction as a major player in the worldwide market. Mr. Rajiv highlights the electric rickshaw industry’s significant market potential, which is projected to reach 50,000–60,000 units. He does, however, voice worries about the prevalence of low-cost, unbranded goods that include imported kits and frequently don’t meet safety regulations, putting drivers at serious risk.
Acknowledging this market niche as a profitable prospect, the company is dedicated to creating a cost-effective product that is comparable to unbranded electric rickshaws in terms of cost but superior in terms of quality and safety. Bajaj states that the main target demographic for this program is North India, which includes places like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and so on.
Rajiv Bajaj makes hints about an upcoming reveal, even though Bajaj might not yet have a strong presence in this particular segment. In response to a query on a possible launch date, he states that the arrival of this affordable electric 3W from Bajaj is soon and promises to have a revolutionary effect on the Indian electric vehicle market.
Bajaj’s Attempt to Provide Accessible Electric Vehicles
The company has made noteworthy progress in providing a comprehensive range of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 3Ws, which have become increasingly popular in the Indian market and other export markets.
Bajaj has also gained a lot of momentum in the field of electric 3W mobility solutions by making noteworthy advancements there. Currently, the firm offers the Maxima XL Cargo and the EV RE electric 3W rickshaw, sometimes referred to as a tuk-tuk. Both vehicles are powered by the E-TEC 9.0 powertrain, which has an 8.9 kWh battery. Bajaj furthermore provides the Maxima XL Cargo with the E-TEC 12.0 powertrain, which has an 11.8 kWh battery, for individuals looking for more power and capacity.
Prices for the Bajaj EV RE E-TEC 9.0, Maxima XL Cargo E-TEC 9.0, and Maxima XL Cargo ETEC 12.0 start at Rs. 3.65 lakh, Rs. 4.04 lakh, and Rs. 4.5 lakh, respectively (all ex-showroom). The market urgently needs an inexpensive electric 3W rickshaw, as these competitive costs highlight.
