Ever since the market of electric rickshaws has boomed, many entrepreneurs, manufacturers and dealers have dived into the market. As a result, the range of these vehicles has expanded from standard passenger type to a much larger segment. For anyone interested in knowing the price of e-rickshaws, the easy answer for them is that it begins nearly ₹1.00 Lakh, and can go up to ₹3.7 Lakh. But this wide range of numbers doesn’t give much insight. So we have come up with a simplified explanation of a broader topic of the e-rickshaw cost.
How E Rickshaw Cost is Determined
With the adoption of e-rickshaws at a rapid rate, the growth of Indian electric three-wheelers is fantastic, reaching above 14 % annually, as per the Mordor Intelligence Report. However, several fundamental factors determine the cost of these vehicles.
Battery
The chemical configuration of the battery has a huge impact on the overall cost. For the lead-acid batteries, the cost is lower, which is around 1 to 1.2 lakhs.
Motor
Motor power determines the load-bearing capacity of the e-rickshaw. The higher the net capacity of the motor, the higher the price. The brand of the motor also makes a difference.
Body Strength
Stainless steel, galvanized steel and mild steel frames are typically used to build the frame of e rickshaws. The grade and type of material have a fair share in the cost determination.
Range Per Full Charge
Distance covered by the vehicle once fully charged is another key factor. E rickshaw with long distance ability may cost initially more, but the amount is recovered soon.
Dealer Margin
As a fleet owner, you would need to buy from the dealers, and they have their own margin for bearing the services cost, local taxes, insurance assistance and transportation expenses.
Reduction of Cost
Many government schemes like PM-eDrive and state government policies enable the growth of e rickshaw vehicles. With these schemes, the dealers get low-interest loans and incentives to establish the dealership and the buyers can avail subsidies based on their income levels. For example, in Delhi, the subsidy amount per vehicle is ₹30,000.
Cost Of Ownership
Once the e rickshaw is bought from the distributors or dealers, the cost of running, maintenance, repairs and battery replacement is borne by the driver or fleet owner. Cost of running an e-rickshaw is nearly one-third of the fuel based rickshaw.
Battery Replacement
Battery replacement depends on the charging habits, load carrying and weather conditions. It is replaced between 1 and 2 years, costing between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000.
Final Notes
E rickshaw cost is determined by the battery configuration, motor power, material, manufacturing technology and profit margins. The brand value of the e rickshaw manufacturer also plays a key role. This vehicle is becoming a profitable business for the dealers and transportation businesses as the shift towards a sustainable mode of transport is at its peak. Sathi Motors is a valuable partner with more than a decade of experience in this industry, making it one of the pioneers.
