Electric vehicles are changing the way people travel in India. The electric rickshaw, or e-rickshaw, lies at the heart of this revolution. Many individuals and businesses are switching away from petrol and diesel commercial vehicles because they cost less to run, produce less pollutants, and get help from the government.
But should you change? This article tells you what you need to know before buying an electric rickshaw.
- Costs of running are lower
The price of fuel goes up a lot. On the other hand, an electric rickshaw runs on electricity. It costs a lot less to charge it than to buy fuel. Most e-rickshaws need 6 to 8 units of electricity to fully charge. That means it can go roughly 80 to 100 kilometers.
Savings every day are big. Electricity costs between ₹0.50 and ₹0.70 per km. Heavy commercial vehicle that runs on petrol or diesel cost ₹2–₹2.50 per km. This discrepancy increases over time. It’s also easier to keep up with. No oil for the engine, fewer parts, and less work to fix anything.
- The government gives people incentives
The government is in favor of electric mobility. The FAME program (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) gives money to people who acquire electric commercial vehicles. These lower the cost of an electric rickshaw up front.
Some states give more perks. People in Delhi who buy things don’t have to pay taxes. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar give grants to people who want to buy things. Some banks give e-rickshaw buyers loans with cheap interest rates.
- Electric Rickshaws Are Good for the Environment
Air quality is a big problem in cities. Commercial vehicles that run on fuel let out harmful substances. These are things like CO₂, NOx, and particulate pollution. An e-rickshaw doesn’t let out any of these. There are no emissions from the tailpipe.
If you choose an electric rickshaw, you’ll leave less of a carbon footprint. It helps make the city less polluted. One electric rickshaw can stop more than 4 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the air every year. For electric commercial vehicle operators, this includes following the rules and having a better public image.
- Perfect for city streets
City streets are small and often full of traffic. Electric rickshaws are small and simple to drive. They can fit into small areas and spin quickly. This makes them perfect for getting around in the closing mile.
Passengers like e-rickshaws better for short rides. They are used by businesses to make deliveries. Some models can carry things. Some can hold up to four people. In both circumstances, the electric rickshaw is useful, affordable, and dependable.
- It’s easy to charge
Most e-rickshaws may be charged at home. They plug into regular 15A outlets. Charging overnight is plenty for everyday use. Some devices can now charge quickly. Some people employ battery-swapping systems, which save time when things are busy.
The type of battery is important. There are two main types:
- Batteries with lead and acid: Less expensive but heavy. Life span is shorter.
- Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and last longer. More money now, but better in the long run.
Pick based on how much you can spend and how far you need to go each day.
- Demand on the market is going up
People like electric rickshaws more now. Demand has gone up in both big cities and little towns. Many states say that adoption is going well. Transport companies and freelance drivers both make money that stays the same.
Reports say that the market for e-rickshaws would expand by more than 15% every year until 2030. Profit margins have gotten better every day. Low operational costs mean more money in your pocket. Drivers in cities like Delhi make ₹700–₹1,200 a day. This makes money that you can count on throughout a month.
- Be aware of the problems
Think about the problems before you buy. The battery life is short. You should replace lead-acid batteries every 12 to 18 months. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive yet last longer.
The range is set. Most electric rickshaws can go 80 to 100 kilometers on a single battery. You might need to charge your e-rickshaw in the middle of the day if you drive for a long time.
The quality of the build is different. There are a lot of local models on the market. Some don’t have a certificate. Before you buy, always check the brand’s reputation and service network.
Last thoughts: Is this the right time?
Yes, for most drivers and operators, now is the best moment to transition to an electric rickshaw. The benefits are real: costs go down, air quality improves, and demand goes up. Government programs make it easy to buy things. The technology behind batteries is getting better. The infrastructure is getting bigger.
The changeover is not only useful; it is also necessary. Will you be the one to start the change, or will you wait until it is necessary?