There are about 51 electric three-wheeler manufacturers in India as per the data of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Of this a good number of companies could be termed as startups. They are young and dynamic. They are technologically very well oriented and belong to the 400 startups that are estimated to be currently operating the auto sector. 

Perhaps the most vibrant and diverse with a unique mix of entrepreneurs and technologists as part of the core team, the electric three-wheeler manufacturers seem better poised to grow because of their ability to understand and address the various segments on the passenger side as well as the cargo side. 

There’s competition from the unorganised sector, the products of which – mainly catering to last mile passenger segments – are found in many cities of North India such as Amritsar and old parts of Delhi. 

To add excitement to an already happening category in the Indian automotive market, US-based Biliti Electric Inc (Biliti) will conduct ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for its electric three-wheeler plant on the road that connects Hyderabad and Zaheerabad on 05 October 2023. 

A young company that was founded in 2021 in California, Biliti is a growing global mobility player guided by a clear mission to provide smart, efficient and affordable electric mobility solutions, as per the description on its website. 

Buoyed by the rising preference for electric vehicles and the way they seem poised to shape urban mobility and the cities of tomorrow, the American company engaged in the development of future-proof technologies will produce 240,000 units every year, according to sources aware of the development. The current plan is to make electric three-wheelers, they add.  

Stating that the plant would be the world’s largest of its kind, the sources mention that the investment towards it is roughly USD 150 million. The ‘ground-breaking ceremony’ will be done at the hands of the Telangana Chief Minister K C Rao in the presence of government officials and members of the senior management of the company, the sources inform.  

While the Biliti factory in Telangana is expected to provide employment to 3,000 people, it is also indicative of how the manufacturers are finding it worth making electric three-wheelers rather than electric two-wheelers or electric four-wheelers. The target audience or buyer/operator of a three-wheeler is grounded and knowledge enough to understand that suits his application needs in terms of the TCO, mentioned an industry observer. IT is therefore that companies like Omega Seiki, Euler and Altigreen has chosen to build electric three-wheeler over other types of electric vehicles, he added. 

The B2B nature of electric three-wheeler business is perhaps the reason why so many unorganised players are a part of it, albeit at a different level. Many of them are job shops with far less investment than the startups. 

The legacy players in the electric three-wheeler market and figuring in the list of SIAM (Society of Indian Automotive Manufacturers) are of the deep pocket variety. Those such as Bajaj Auto Ltd, Mahindra Electric (an arm of Mahindra & Mahindra) and TVS Motor Company are well diversified and technologically well entrenched. They are also well entrenched in areas like supply chain, manufacturing infrastructure and abilities, etc. 

If the lower entry barrier in the EV space has attracted new and young players in the three-wheeler category, the legacy players are fast closing the gap. It is somewhat like what is happening in the electric two-wheeler space, the industry observer mentioned. He drew attention to how white spaces or segment gaps in this space are also being plugged. 

Manufacturers like Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are offering electric four-wheel light trucks to change the dynamics of the electric three-wheeler market the way it happened with the launch of the Tata Ace in 2005, he explained. 

The competition is turning complex and it is essential therefore that electric three-wheeler manufacturers up the ante by employing more advanced technology; by offering superior TCO than their vehicles currently offer and give more bang for the money that the buyer is ready to pay them. 

Among the young electric three-wheeler manufacturers, the likes of Altigreen, E-Trio, Omega Seiki and Euler Motors seem to be better placed to sustain and grow despite the competition from legacy players. The game seems to be about who offers the best TCO with the aid of technology. Incentives don’t seem to be a helping only to a point after looking at how the FAME Phase II policy was restructured for electric two-wheelers a few months ago. 

The Government is keen to make electric vehicles in the country grow but does not seem to be in favour of much incentivisation like China did to make its EV industry rise. The PLI scheme for batteries is a welcome initiative though. 

The effect of restructuring the subsidy for electric two-wheelers is not hidden. Their sales over the last few months have very well indicated it. The effect may be temporary, the fact is the Indian vehicle buyer is highly cost conscious. 

The TCO factor matters most in the case of electric three-wheelers therefore. It is either the deal maker or deal breaker. To ensure a superior TCO is absolutely necessary. A lot of homework in this direction is yet to done.  

The beauty is that some of the young and dynamic players have already acknowledged this and are silently working in that direction. They are leveraging the advantage of lower break even. The legacy players are well versed with the superior TCO factor and working in that direction too. The gap is expected to close between the legacy players and the young and newer players sooner than later. Such a development is already visible in the case of electric two-wheelers. 

While technology, engineering, manufacturing, quality, durability, pricing, supply chain management and value chain management are some of the factors that will play a key role in shaping the future of electric three-wheelers, a prominent factor will be how co-operations work and are nurtured. 

Co-operations will be extremely important for electric three-wheelers to succeed in a competitive market place where there is the pressure to reach the market early, stay exciting, frugal and technologically intensive. 

While even the young electric three-wheeler companies have figured the art of sustenance and growth besides acquiring the necessary resources, engaging skilled manpower, supply chain partners and expanding their reach in the market, regulatory and technology changes will remain a constant. 

The Government, it is clear, is looking at the EV industry to reduce tailpipe emissions. With companies such as BYD, Avatr and Changan of China set to flood the European markets with electric cars that are on par with what some of the best-known electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla can offer at a price that is significantly lower, the unique status of the Indian EV market as the world’s largest micro mobility market in the making has the electric three-wheeler market in good stead.  

The definition of electric micro mobility is defined as vehicles weighing less than 2.5-tonne. Most of the electric three-wheelers as the contributor to Indian EV market’s growth as the world’s largest micro mobility market are well defined in the last mile delivery segment as e-commerce players among others exert to reduce their carbon footprint. The excitement lies is what lays beyond the application areas that have already been addressed. 

The semi-urban and rural markets are the ones that electric three-wheelers will next go to it looks like. As they do, yet another phase of strong growth and excitement will be unleashed.

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In a significant move for sustainable aviation infrastructure, Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles, has supplied its first fleet of all-electric tarmac coaches to IndiGo airlines. The delivery of six Eicher Skyline Pro-E 12-metre buses inaugurates a strategic partnership centred on clean energy and operational efficiency, marking Eicher's inaugural entry into the aviation ground support equipment sector.

Deployed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, these zero-emission buses are engineered for the rigours of airport tarmac operations. With a mission to safely ferry passengers between the terminal and their aircraft in utmost comfort, the buses feature a high-capacity layout with seating for 17 passengers plus a driver, along with ample space for 52 standing occupants.

Its advanced lithium-iron phosphate battery and CCS2 fast-charging system are designed to sustain continuous operation. For a smooth and stable ride, the vehicle is equipped with full air suspension, power-assisted steering, and disc brakes on all axles. This initiative is a key part of IndiGo’s broader strategy to minimise the environmental impact of its operations.

Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VECV, said, "We are honoured to partner with IndiGo in their journey towards greener and sustainable ground operations at Kempegowda Airport – recognised for its striking aesthetics and sustainable practices. With a broad range of buses optimised for demanding applications and backed by connected 24X7 service, Eicher is already a familiar name for citizens, school children and factory staff in Bengaluru. With these tarmac coaches, Eicher stands committed to sustainably transporting the 42 million passengers that use this gateway to India’s Silicon Valley each year.”

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SnapE Cabs, an electric vehicle mobility company, has secured USD 2.5 million in a bridge round led by Inflection Point Ventures. This infusion of capital will be directed towards leasing new EV cabs, covering operational expenses and enhancing the company's technological product development.

The company has reached a significant financial milestone by achieving EBITDA positivity. This success is underpinned by substantial growth, including a fleet that now exceeds 1,000 electric vehicles. SnapE Cabs has garnered over 1.2 million paying users and facilitated more than 3.2 million rides, culminating in gross revenues of INR 1.20 billion. Its recent strategic expansion into the Delhi market, in partnership with Rapido, has already proven profitable with an initial deployment of 200 cars.

A key to SnapE's competitive edge is its unique operational model, which is based on full ownership of its electric fleet and exclusive partnerships with charge point operators. This ‘EV as a Service’ approach ensures high vehicle availability. The company enjoys operating costs 60-70 percent lower than traditional cabs, allowing for competitive pricing without compromising profitability. Furthermore, SnapE demonstrates remarkable efficiency with a customer acquisition cost of just 0.8 percent of revenue and a 90 percent rider retention rate. Future scalability is anchored in ambitious B2B plans, including a collaboration with Rapido to deploy 5,000 cabs across India within two years.

Founded by Mayank Bindal, an industry veteran with over 15 years of telecom experience and a master’s degree in finance, SnapE Cabs currently operates in Kolkata and is expanding into the Delhi-NCR region. The company supports its operations with its own proprietary charging network.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “The demand for clean and sustainable vehicles is growing globally. The ride-hailing platforms are no exception. With an increasing number of people using ride-hailing services, this sector urgently needs a greener alternative. SnapE Cabs is addressing this by not only offering EV cab services but by also building a supportive infrastructure. Its model is both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable, achieving growth without burning cash for customer acquisition, discounts and fleet operations. The recent tie up with Rapido further strengthens the company mission for India’s EV adoption and sustainable goal.”

Mayank Bindal, Founder and CEO, SnapE Cabs, said, “We’re not just expanding; we’re delivering profitability at scale. With IPV backing us in this bridge round, SnapE has already deployed 200 electric cabs in Delhi in the last three months, which have been profitable from day one. Over the next 12 months, we’re adding another 1,000 cars, not to chase growth metrics but to meet a very real supply gap left open in the market. Our focus shifts from a demand aggregation to a supply-led infrastructure model empowers other demand aggregators, enhances utilisation and de-risks margins. In a sector built on burns, recent disruptions have created visible white space and squeezed up margins; SnapE is proving that EV fleet economics work today not just on projections. This round accelerates our mission to build the backbone that enables India’s EV mobility vision for 2030 – clean, scalable and built on fundamentals.”

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The third largest automobile market saw a staggering 2,142,565 units of electric vehicles sold between September 2024 and August 2025, according to data from Vahan Dashboard (excluding Telangana).

The electric vehicle sales in India witnessed mixed sales in August, 2025, according to the same source. Statistics put electric two-wheeler sales at the lead with 104,373 units compared to July’s 103,469 units, followed by four wheelers at 17,387 units from 16,127 units a month earlier and the rest of the pie was goods carriers, buses and three-wheeler cargo carriers.

The dashboard also reported a decline in electric rickshaw sales that dell to 36,962 from 39,782 in July, followed by electric three-wheeler L5 passenger (18,007 from 20,446) and electric carts (6,213 from 6,817).

Nonetheless, the market sentiment about this vehicular segment seems to be strong. Exuding confidence on World EV Day 2025, Deepak Manwani, Head of Operations and Revenue at Yuma Energy, told Motoring Trends, “As India’s automotive sector accelerates towards electrification, the momentum is unmistakable in two- and three-wheelers. What began with fleet use cases is now rapidly entering personal mobility with adoption climbing year-on-year.”

He noted that supportive government policies such as FAME II, the newly launched PM e-DRIVE scheme and state-level EV mandates for EV adoption as well as for charging and swapping infrastructure creation are creating a strong policy tailwind.

There is also an influx of customised financing options for EVs, which is providing further impetus to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. Industry projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 35–40 percent of new two-wheelers and over 50 percent of three-wheelers could be electric with more ambitious scenarios targeting up to 80 percent penetration in these categories.

Sharing the same confidence, Som Kapoor, Partner at EY India, noted, “EVs currently make up about five percent of the market and we’re at an inflection point. Growth is inevitable and the consistent share across different vehicle sizes signals strong policy support from the government. EV adoption will continue to expand as part of the overall auto market.”

He shared that post-pandemic, the Indian automobile market has witnessed stabilised growth at around 3–4 percent, rather than in double digits. With the upcoming GST changes, a boost in small cars and overall volume is expected, especially in the second half of this year.

“In terms of EVs, the two-wheelers segment, which already has a growing momentum, will continue in the path. We expect strong growth in segments where vehicles work on closed routes or where assets are monetised daily, such as three-wheelers and commercial vehicles. These areas will see tremendous adoption,” added Kapoor.

Market command

Despite a modest share in the entire automobile market currently, EVs are expected to gobble at least one-third of the pie. Alluding to this, Manwani noted, “By the end of this decade, we expect electric vehicles to command nearly a third of India’s automotive market with two and three-wheelers at the forefront of this shift. Projections indicate that up to 70–80 percent of new scooters, motorcycles and electric-rickshaws could be electric by 2030, while passenger cars and buses steadily build towards 20–25 percent adoption.”

At the global level, where there are outliers like China and the Nordics leading the EV penetration, India is broadly in line with other major markets and the adoption levels are comparable to its global peers, noted Kapoor.

Furthermore, the torch bearer for EV adoption till the end of the decade is expected to be two-wheelers and three-wheelers. “These are the vehicles that define our cities – scooters weaving through traffic, delivery bikes bringing food to our doors and rickshaws ferrying millions on their daily commutes,” said Manwani.  

He added, “They are the lifeblood of urban mobility, and because they run hard and run often, they are also the first to embrace the undeniable economics of going electric. Cars, meanwhile, will follow steadily, starting with city users and early adopters who see EVs as both aspirational and practical for daily city commutes. And then there are our commercial fleets, buses connecting cities, trucks and vans moving goods across states, slowly but surely shifting to electric because the savings are too big to ignore.”

Another boon for the indigenous industry will be collaborations, according to Kapoor. “As Chinese collaboration opens up, we expect to see technology transfers and joint ventures that can accelerate India’s EV ecosystem. These partnerships will be valuable for scaling both manufacturing and innovation,” he contended.

Drawing on the same lines, Omega Seiki Mobility Chairman Uday Narang noted, “Over the past year, India’s EV sector has moved from experimentation to consolidation with stronger players and sustainable models emerging. EV three-wheelers, both passenger and cargo, along with new-age electric trucks, especially in the 1–1.5 tonne category will be the real growth drivers of this market.”

Commenting on current market domination of EVs, Kazam Chief Executive Officer Akshay Shekhar opined, “India's EV narrative is transitioning from initial curiosity to industrial scale. It is not only from the vehicles but also from charging infrastructure and software orchestration. In the next five years, we anticipate chargers to be as pervasive as fuel pumps for three- and two-wheelers with charging equipment closely integrated into fleet operations, home installations and e-commerce logistics.”

Supply and power

Volks Energie Chief Executive Officer Piyush Goyal opined that the world is moving towards largescale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy and that companies in India are feeling that effect.

“What started as a symbolic initiative five years ago, has turned into a global movement today as the world collectively and rapidly moves towards large-scale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy. This adoption reflects not only a technological change and preference but also a shift in the societal expectations from the automotive and renewable industries overall. Consumers today demand cleaner and more resilient energy systems,” he stated.

Moreover, the Central Government’s ambitious plans to make the country an export hub can well be extended to electric vehicles. Alluding to the strategy, Kapoor stated, “Our immediate priority should be strengthening the local market. That said, companies like Maruti are already exporting EV models before bringing them to Indian customers. India has the technological capability and manufacturing infrastructure to grow as an export hub over time. Steady progress will be key.”

While he noted that currently the three main challenges for higher penetration are charging infrastructure, consumer mindset shift towards EVs and high upfront cost of ownership, private charging access is seen as a crucial.

“In India, many homes lack dedicated parking slots, making at-home charging challenging. Until that improves, public charging needs significant expansion. Both private and public infrastructure must evolve to support mass adoption,” noted Kapoor.

Another barrier pointed out was the reliance on imported components. According to Manwani, “India is heavily reliant on imported components for its EVs, especially batteries and advanced electronics, which makes India vulnerable to any kind of supply shocks due to changing geo-political scenarios. The current geo-political uncertainties have caused production disruptions in the last six months. And to overcome this, India needs to have a long-term plan to become self-reliant on cell manufacturing, rare earth magnet production as well as cultivating alternative sources of lithium and other metals essential for sustaining India’s EV ecosystem.”

Motwani also added that cell prices have dropped by as much as 40–50 percent in the last 24 months and this has certainly helped spur new demand in India. This has also meant larger battery packs in vehicles, thereby helping reduce range anxiety and making EVs a viable option in a market where charging infrastructure is still catching up.

For swapping players, this has been a boon as reducing cell and battery price means faster asset deployment due to lower capex spend. This has helped drive large scale transformation in commercial mobility in line with the policy push from various quarters.

Kapoor also noted a need to change the direction of incentives. “So far, incentives have largely supported the supply side. We now need demand-side incentives, which are direct benefits to consumers that make EV adoption more attractive,” he said.

Alluding to the growing demand for EVs, Trontek Chief Executive Officer Samrath Singh Kocchar opined, “India's EV ramp-up is being driven by affordable battery prices, policy incentive and fast two-wheeler electrification but true long-term play will be in battery technology, circularity and systems thinking. Over the next five years, we expect major strides in energy density and fast-charging with battery-swapping and modular solutions gaining momentum in fleet operations.”

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VinFast has officially entered India's burgeoning electric vehicle market with the launch of its two made-in-India premium SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, starting at INR 1,649,000 and INR 2,089,000 (ex-showroom), respectively. This strategic introduction represents a significant step in the company's global expansion and underscores its commitment to supporting India's transition towards sustainable mobility. The new models are engineered to meet the specific demands of Indian consumers, combining advanced technology, safety and performance to redefine the premium EV ownership experience.

Designed with Indian families in mind, the VF 6 is a compact SUV that blends a sophisticated design with practical functionality. It is offered in three variants – Earth, Wind and Wind Infinity – each providing a distinct set of features. The model boasts an ARAI-certified range of up to 468 kilometres and supports rapid charging, capable of going from 10 percent to 70 percent battery in approximately 25 minutes. Its spacious interior, generous wheelbase and high ground clearance are tailored for comfort and practicality. Standard and upgraded features across the trims include a large infotainment screen, vegan leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including seven airbags.

The larger VF 7 SUV presents a bold design and is available in five variants, including Earth, Wind, Sky, Wind Infinity and Sky Infinity, with both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. It offers a choice of two battery packs, with the top-tier model delivering an impressive range of up to 532 kilometres. Performance is a key highlight, with the dual-motor Sky variant accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. The VF 7 is equipped with a host of premium amenities as standard, such as a coloured head-up display, panoramic glass roof on Infinity trims, a powerful audio system and sophisticated cabin technology.

To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast is establishing a robust national infrastructure. This includes a planned network of dealer touchpoints and service workshops across 27 cities. The company has also forged key strategic partnerships to provide tailored financing options, a nationwide charging infrastructure and comprehensive after-sales support. A cornerstone of its local commitment is a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where the vehicles will be assembled for the domestic market and future export. Leveraging its international experience from operations across North America, Europe and Asia, VinFast is positioned to become a major contributor to India's electric future.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “Today marks a historic milestone – the launch of cars that are not just made in India, but made by Indians, for Indians. We are introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem thoughtfully designed for Indian families. The VF 6 and VF 7 embody the perfect harmony of practical design, premium quality and cutting-edge technology that Indian consumers aspire to. Backed by our state-of-the-art Thoothukudi facility and strong ecosystem partnerships, we are committed to supporting India’s vision of becoming a global leader in electric mobility.”

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