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      Kia EV9 Electric SUV First Real World Photos – New Colours Spied

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      With its massive size and muscular body panelling, Kia EV9 has a dominating street presenceNew Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia had showcased the EV9 concept at 2023 Auto Expo, whereas the production version had debuted on March 15. Based on the E-GMP platform that also underpins EV6, Kia EV9 will be the company’s new flagship SUV. It will pack in a comprehensive range of features and rival upcoming electric SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.EV9 is part of Kia’s ‘Plan S’, wherein a target has been set to introduce 13 born-electric cars over the next four years. EV9 will be one of the biggest Kia models, with dimensions similar to that of US-spec Telluride SUV. It will also be the most expensive Kia car sold globally. Ahead of its launch, Kia EV9 has been spotted undisguised inside a parking lot.New Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia EV9 features new gen styling – Likely to be seen in all Kia electric cars in the futureMuch of the features seen with the concept version have been retained in the production model. However, there are some changes such as smoothed edges and creases and 21-inch wheels replacing the 23-inch units seen with the concept model. Apart from these, there are no other major changes between the concept and the production version.EV9 will have compelling colour choices in both glossy and matte finish. Options include Snow White Pearl (SWP), Panthera Metal (P2M), Aurora Black Pearl (ABP), Flare Red (C7R), Pebble Gray (DFG), Ivory Silver (ISG), Ocean Blue (OBG) and Iceberg Green (IEG). Matte colour options include Ocean Blue (Matte), Ivory Silver (Matte), Iceberg Green (Matte) and Panthera Metal (Matte).New Kia EV9 Electric SUVEV9 utilizes a futuristic design philosophy with angled panels all across. It seems familiar to the panelling used on tanks and stealth aircrafts. Other notable aspects include the star constellation-inspired LED lights at front and rear, flat closed-off grille and Kia’s signature tiger nose effect on the skid plate. Viewed from the side, EV9 could be mistaken for an armoured car. Some key highlights include quirky alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, thick body cladding, chunky door panels, blacked-out pillars, smart door handles and tinted windows.New Kia EV9 Electric SUV Smart KeyInside, Kia EV9 has a clutter-free dashboard layout and cockpit area. Much of the controls are accessible via the massive integrated digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Interiors are designed for roominess and optimal user comfort. Both 6-seat and 7-seat versions are expected to be available.EV9 performance, range – Best in class?Kia has not revealed any significant details about EV9. However, it is known that EV9 will have a range of 543 km. Based on its size and max range, battery capacity could be around 100kWh. It is expected that EV9 will have fast charging, allowing users to load up around 100 km in approximately 6 minutes. Based on the E-GMP platform, EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have similar capabilities. Kia EV9 is expected to get option of both rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive.EV9 is unlikely to make it to India anytime soon. However, Kia has plans to launch multiple new mass-market EVs, specially designed for India. These will go up against upcoming born electric SUVs from Mahindra and Tata Motors. More

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      EV Blocks The Way – Electric Car And Gearbox: Myth Or Reality?

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      The gearbox of my Nexon EV Max has suddenly stopped working – Electric Car Gearboxes: What You Need to KnowEV got stuck – Blocking the way. Image – Akash BhangreThe positioning of an immobile car is a part of the intrigue of this viral post we saw. While someone drew a parallel to the Ever Given situation, what caught our attention were queries regarding the gearbox in electric cars. Does an EV have a gearbox? Do electric cars have/need transmissions? Gear box in EV? EV with gearbox? You get the gist.Akash Bhangre’s situation as mentioned on Twitter, “The gearbox of my Nexon EV Max has suddenly stopped working and the car is currently stuck in this position blocking the whole lane. This has created a big scene in my society. ‘I am located in Thane. I have contacted Tata Motors helpline and they are sending a towing car from Wadala. The wait time for the same is 1.5Hours as per the towing car vendor. Why can’t you send someone from Thane, Mulund or some other nearby location. I need your urgent help here.”Tata Nexon EV got stuck – Blocking the wayTo Gear or Not to Gear: The Evolution of Electric Car TransmissionElectric cars generally do not have transmission in the traditional sense. This is because the electric motor can provide power directly to the wheels without the need for a complex system of gears. Instead, electric cars typically use a single-speed or fixed-gear transmission that is optimized for a specific speed range.This type of transmission is less complex than the multi-speed transmissions found in petrol / diesel powered cars. In turn, this can reduce maintenance costs and increase efficiency.Tata Nexon EV got stuck – Blocking the wayThe Gearbox Conundrum: What happens when it stops working in an EV?The gearbox of an electric car can suddenly stop working due to a variety of reasons. Modern electric cars rely heavily on electrical and software components. And a failure in these systems can cause the gearbox to stop working.Electric motors generate a lot of heat during operation, and if the gearbox is not adequately cooled, it can overheat and fail. Moreover, the gearbox in an electric car can wear out over time due to regular use, just like any mechanical component, and this can cause it to stop working.Gearbox Failure in Electric Cars: Causes and ConsequencesIf the gearbox of an electric car suddenly stops working, the car will likely become immobile or have difficulty moving. Symptoms such as difficulty in changing gears, strange noises, or the car not moving at all may be experienced. To address the issue promptly and ensure safety and longevity of the vehicle, it’s best to take the electric car to a certified repair shop or dealer to have it diagnosed and repaired. Depending on extent of damage, repair could be as simple as a software update or as complex as a full gearbox replacement.Electric cars are generally reliable and have fewer moving parts than traditional cars. But they are still complex machines that require regular maintenance and care. Regular servicing and keeping an eye out for any unusual noises or performance issues can help catch potential problems before they become more severe. More

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      2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept Debuts – Future Carens EV?

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      If placed side by side, Kia EV5 concept debuted recently and Carens look very similar in their design and proportions2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor a long time now, EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD have been dominating the market. On the onslaught of EV growth, mainstream manufacturers are jumping into this bandwagon too. We have seen Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and many more mainstream manufacturers diving into this head first as well.We recently saw Kia EV9 getting unveiled which will be Kia’s flagship EV. Kia seems to be aggressively expanding its EV envelope to include an extensive lineup. Result of which is the Kia EV5 concept SUV, unveiled on Chinese EV day. It has debuted in its design form and looking at it, we can’t help but wonder, whether this will be the electrified Carens that India gets. Let’s take a look at why.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor starters, this will sit below Kia EV6, which was launched in India last year. Kia EV5 concept aims to be an SUV-ish EV with starkly similar design and proportions to Kia Carens. We can see it in its front profile, side profile and rear as well. Even the overall proportions match that of Carens.EV5 is a concept only and production-spec model is likely to retain most of its design elements. On the inside, we get a single wide screen which is part of both Instrumentation and infotainment. There are hardly any buttons. Seats run upwards and double as armrests as well.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFront seats swivel and face the rear, creating a lounge area for four people. Behind second-row chairs, there is a table and rear-facing bench seats too. In crevices for cup holders for the third row, we have a literal plant as well. It is an EV concept, why not? Interiors feature sustainable and recycled materials, to boast their eco credentials.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptSimilarities With CarensIn terms of dimensions, 2024 Kia EV5 concept is likely to be smaller than EV6. The latter is 4695 mm in length and we would wager Kia EV5 to measure around 4600 mm. This is very close to Carens with around just a 50 mm difference. One look at both Kia EV5 concept and Carens from the side, and what we are saying starts making sense.Both feature an almost identical side profile with a mostly similar window area as well. Even belt line for both matches in its approach. Kia has not revealed specifications of EV5. So, there is a grey area regarding battery capacity and motor specifications. One can say that around 60 kWh of battery with 400 km of range from a single motor layout is possible.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptKia unveiled the EV5 design concept on Chinese EV day. So, it is evident that this will cater to the Chinese market first and maybe even launch later in markets like Russia, India and the ASEAN region. Launch timeline is not yet revealed, but we can expect the production-spec model to debut by the end of 2023. If it is an electrified Carens, it could be manufactured here in India and exported as well. More

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      New Gen Maruti Brezza Electric SUV (EVX Based) Render – Nexon EV Rival

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      With a range of around 500 km, the production version of EVX will make a compelling propositionNext Gen Maruti Brezza Electric SUV RenderWhile other homegrown OEMs have already fielded their EVs in the market hoping to take the first mover’s advantage, Maruti Suzuki, the market leader, thinks that there is still some time left before the switch to full-electric products becomes imperative. Nevertheless, the brand which has been successfully demonstrating its ability to read the Indian customers’ pulse for decades debuted its all-electric EVX concept at the Auto Expo, signalling its medium-term intentions.Harbinger to Next Gen Maruti BrezzaThe Maruti EVX previews the company’s new crossover design language which could form the basis for the Brezza’s spiritual successor. We hope, the critical 4m length limit which dictates excise duty benefits would eventually disappear in the all-electric era so the compact crossovers can be more spacious and practical than the current crop of conventional players.Maruti EVX Electric SUV Concept at 2023 Auto ExpoFor example, with a length of about 4.3m, the production version of EVX will be roughly the size of the brisk-selling Hyundai Creta. Upon launch, it will likely have to contend with the next gen Nexon EV, which will also be about 4.3 m in length. Then there is the Creta EV and Seltos EV in the making, which could also be potential rivals along with XUV400.Our rendering specialist Pratyush Rout has imagined the next generation Maruti Brezza crossover SUV based on the EVX concept. The production version, as the rendering points out, will be slightly watered down to emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency which is crucial when it comes to range. The new design language continues to retain the basic boxy character of Maruti’s current crop of compact crossovers. Salient design features on the front include sleek LED headlamps, almost non-existent front grille, boomerang-shaped foglight enclosures and an inverted trapezoidal air-intake.Next Gen Maruti Brezza Electric SUV RenderSmooth sheet metal surfaces, flush door handles, and pronounced rear haunches define the profile while we expect the concept’s continuous rear combination lamps and compact rear windshield to be carried forward more or less as they are. Maruti has not revealed the interiors of the EVX Concept but going by the global trend, one can expect the vehicle to opt for a simple dashboard dominated by several displays and state-of-the-art connectivity features.Powertrain DetailsThe production version of the Maruti EVX is expected to be the brand’s first grounds-up all-electric project. Details on the electric powertrain are scarce as of now but the crossover which is likely to be launched sometime in 2025 is like to pack a 100 to 150 kW electric motor supported by a LFP battery pack with a capacity of around 60 kWh. This should be good for a certified range in the ballpark of 500 km.The India-made Suzuki all-electric compact crossover will be a good candidate also in the overseas markets. In fact, exports are expected to account for roughly half of the EV’s production volume. Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest USD 100 million in the country to make EVs and batteries.Next Gen Maruti Brezza Electric SUV RenderMaruti is hoping that the current crop of affordable electric vehicles in India will lay the groundwork for acceptability among the customers by the time it is ready with its maiden zero emission product. The country’s charging infrastructure also should be more conducive in the next 2-3 years than it is now.Disclaimer – Design renders presented in this blog are solely for illustrative purposes and have not been commissioned, approved, or endorsed by the manufacturer. Designs presented here may not reflect the final product or the manufacturer’s intentions. The renders are provided as conceptual designs or artistic interpretations only, and their accuracy or feasibility cannot be guaranteed. More

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      New Volkswagen Small Electric Car Debuts – 450 Km Range, 4.05m Length

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      Volkswagen’s new small electric car – ID 2all will ride on an MEB Entry platform making it the first ID model to sport a front wheel drive formatNew Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptVolkswagen has previewed its upcoming electric small car called the ID.2all. Currently a concept, it is only slated to be launched sometime in 2025 with sales to commence from early 2026. This electric car is among a host of new EVs planned for launch by the automaker among which will be the new ID.3, long-wheelbase ID. Buzz, and ID.7Volkswagen ID 2all Concept – Small Electric Car For The New GenVolkswagen ID.2all is slated to come in at a base price of under 25,000 euros ($26,331 / Rs 22 Lakh). Showcased in a concept format, this new ID.2all is different from the ID.Life that made its debut in September 2021. It will boast of a futuristic design and will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform for front-wheel-drive models.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptThis will make it the first VW offering to come in as a FWD MEB model. Dimensions will stand at 4,050mm in length, 1,812 mm in width and 1,530mm in height. It will have a wheelbase of 2,600mm, just an inch less that that seen on the Golf Mk8.Where exterior styling is concerned, the Volkswagen ID 2all concept will sport an LED light bar spanning its full width in the front. It will also see massive wheel arches and will ride on 20 inch wheels fitted with 225/40 R20 tyres. On board features will also include a straight window line, concealed door handles, new C pillars and the rear bumper with a prominent black diffuser.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptThe interiors will show off a clear and spacious cabin with a host of driver and passenger comforts and conveniences. The 5 seater model will sport rear seats in a 40:60 split, passenger seat backrest that can be folded down, storage space under the boot floor and in the form of a lockable 50 liter storage area under rear seats.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all ConceptInfotainment will be via a 12.9 inch touchscreen system. It will also receive air conditioning panels, wireless charging smartphone pads, multi-function steering wheel, 10.9 inch digital cockpit screen and a head up display unit. Advanced system will also include Travel Assist and Park Assist along with massaging electric seats and a panoramic sunroof.Volkswagen ID 2all battery capacity and range, specsVolkswagen ID 2all concept will draw power via a front mounted motor offering 222 hp power. This is the same as that offered on the base Volkswagen Golf GTI. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in under 7 seconds while it is expected to offer a range of 450 kms on the WLTP test cycle.New Volkswagen Small Electric Car – ID. 2all Concept SpecsBattery capacity has not yet been revealed but charging from 10-80 percent can be achieved in 20 minutes via a DC fast charger. Buyers will also get the option of home charging through an 11 kW charger.Along with the other VW electric models being planned, the Volkswagen ID 2all is set to be produced at the Spain plant which is run by Volkswagen Group brand Seat from 2026. Volkswagen will also launch an even smaller electric car, which will sit below the ID2 all. It is expected to be the size of the Polo, and could be launched as Polo electric in the future. More

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      MG Comet EV Launch in April 2023 – Entry Point to Small Electric Cars

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      MG Comet EV: A game-changer in electric cars, the age of small EVs begins with its April 2023 launch2023 MG Comet Electric Car
      MG is all set to launch Comet EV, a compact electric vehicle in India in April 2023. Prices and battery details too will be announced then. This rebadged version of the Wuling Air from China will be manufactured at MG’s plant in India. Available in five colours, you can pick from White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and Green.
      MG Comet EV: A look at its range and charging capabilities
      Exterior design of the MG Comet EV is modern and sleek. It has split headlamps. The remaining light set up includes LED DRLs, turn indicators, and a narrow LED light beam positioned in the front chrome bar. The bar continues onto both OVRMs. Rear lights match the front design theme, with a stop lamp beam that runs across the rear and a 2-row split tail lamp. Charging port is located beneath the front MG branding.
      2023 MG Comet Electric Car
      Wuling Air EV battery choices are expected on the Comet. The smaller is a 17.3kWh unit. The bigger, a 26.7kWh unit. Between the two, the drive range extends from 200kms to 300kms. MG Comet EV is expected to have a 31 KW (41 PS) or 50 kW (68 PS) motor. The smaller 18kWh unit would be most price competitive for India but there’s no clarity on model/s going to be launched.
      Comet EV battery is rumoured to be sourced from Tata Autocomp and will use LFP cells. Comet will be the smallest vehicle in MG’s lineup in India, making it a cost-effective entry point for customers to step into the world of EVs.
      2023 MG Comet Electric Car
      Both SWB and LWB variants of  Wuling Air are 2-door models, LWB being a 4-seater. MG Comet EV is based on GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) platform developed in a joint venture between SAIC-GM-Wuling. Other features are likely to include automatic climate control, dual 10.2” horizontal screens, a 2-spoke steering wheel, electronic parking brake, and voice command.
      Can the MG Comet EV keep up with the demands of daily driving?
      With its range, charging capabilities, design, and features, MG Comet EV is a smart choice for electric car enthusiasts. It’s sheer smallness makes it practical and an efficient electric car for city driving. Welcome to the world of small electric cars.
      Compact smart cars can provide a practical solution to urban mobility challenges in India by reducing travel time and improving commute experience. Their small size and advanced technology could be effective in navigating through crowded city streets and reducing congestion. Most importantly, they present an excellent case for affordable electric cars.
      Comet will be the 2nd EV from MG. MG ZS EV is already on sale in India, priced from Rs 23.38 lakh, ex-sh. Prices of MG Comet electric car are expected to start from under Rs 10 lakh, making it a rival to Tata Tiago EV. More

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      2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Battery, Range Specs Revealed

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      Unlike the Ioniq range of EVs based on e-GMP platform, updated Hyundai Kona is underpinned by a modified B-segment platform of its predecessor2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
      Hyundai and Kia are currently on the offensive where EVs are concerned. The duo are actively pushing ahead in EV space. With EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD to beat, Hyundai and Kia have launched a slew of popular EVs. Ioniq 5 and Kia EV-6 are stark examples of this. Design of the new Kona EV was released late last year. Now, Hyundai has revealed official battery specs and range details of New Hyundai Kona Electric.
      Just like its predecessor, Hyundai has not made Kona EV-only. At least for now. In this sense, Kona will spawn a ICE model and a strong hybrid model alongside an EV-only model. Underpinning this project, is a modified version of Hyundai’s B-segment platform enabling mounts for engine and also hybrid components. How better is it as opposed to its predecessor? Let’s take a look.
      2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
      New Hyundai Kona Electric Specs
      New Gen Kona Electric comes with two battery pack options. The base variant gets a 48.4 kWh battery pack claiming to deliver a range of 342 kms on full charge. The top variant comes with a larger 65.4 kWh battery pack that delivers a drive range of 490 kms. Fast charging option is available. The bigger battery pack takes only 41 minutes to charge from 10-80% via fast charger.
      Both battery pack options with new Kona get a front mounted electric motor. In the smaller battery pack option, the electric motor is rated to deliver 154 hp while with the larger battery pack you get 214 hp. Torque output has been kept at 255 Nm for both variants.
      2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
      Speaking of India, we currently get a 39.2 kWh battery pack option with a claimed range of 452 km. If next gen Hyundai Kona EV is launched in India, it should boast a better range than outgoing model. Just like current Kona, the new one also comes with Vehicle-to-load capability. This means that you will be able to charge internal as well as external devices like home appliances using Kona EV.
      Design & Features
      Hyundai has come up with a radical and geometric design for new Kona. With many of Hyundai’s designs, upgrades usually don’t feel organic and cohesive in capturing the essence of its predecessor. That is not the case with new Hyundai Kona. The parametric and pixel design philosophies combine to form a handsome-looking front.
      Headlight and brake light elements are housed in separate pods, while LED light bars take the centre stage at both ends. They accentuate the width of new Kona. Speaking of, new gen Hyundai Kona is 5.5” (139.7mm) longer, 0.9” (22.86mm) wider and has a 2.3” (58.42mm) longer wheelbase over its predecessor.
      2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
      The sharp lines and creases at the sides give it an athletic appeal. At the same time, flared wheel arches and undercuts behind its fenders add substantial muscle. There are smart-looking 5-spoke design alloy wheels and near the C-pillar, shoulder-line and roof-line merge to neatly form an X-insignia.
      On the inside, Hyundai has used sustainable materials. The main attraction here are its dual 12.3” digital displays and a 12” HUD. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, NFC-enabled smartphone and smartwatch access digital key, ambient lighting, flat reclining electric front seats, Hyundai SmartSense ADAS tech, remote parking among many, are highlight features. More

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      Bill Gates Goes Local – Drives Mahindra Electric Rickshaw In India

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      Decarbonization of the transportation industry – the humble electric rickshaw, companies like Mahindra contributeBill Gates driving electric rickshaw in India
      Mahindra Last Mile Mobility outlines a range of options including the popular Treo auto, versatile Treo Zor, and spacious Zor Grand. Mahindra’s efficient and sustainable last-mile electric three wheelers are efficient little vehicle’s. Perfect for navigating crowded city streets. And are reliable and an economical choice for short trips and daily errands. E3W applications are wide ranging – from deliveries and haulage to passenger transport.
      Bill Gates opts for Mahindra Treo in India
      Ergonomic seating and spacious interiors help manoeuvre the bumpiest roads, and feel these city roads. All the while reducing your carbon footprint and helping to build a greener future. Bill Gates says, “India’s passion for innovation never ceases to amaze. I drove an electric rickshaw, capable of traveling up to 131km (about 81 miles) and carrying up to 4 people. It’s inspiring seeing companies like Mahindra contribute to the decarbonization of the transportation industry.”
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      Exploring the Benefits of Electric 3-Wheelers for Last-Mile Transportation
      Three-wheelers, popularly known as tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws, have been a preferred mode of transportation in many countries, especially in South Asia. With the advent of electric 3-wheelers, their success has only increased, and they are being increasingly adopted for last-mile connectivity. One of the significant advantages attributed to electric 3-wheelers is their eco-friendliness.
      As cities across the world look to reduce their carbon footprint, electric 3-wheelers offer a viable solution. These vehicles emit zero emissions, making them ideal for use in areas with high pollution levels. They are also noiseless. And a boon for elderly or disabled passengers who may have difficulty getting in and out of other modes of transportation.
      Bill Gates driving electric rickshaw in India
      e3W – Environmentally-Friendly Solution for Urban Mobility
      But the benefits of electric 3-wheelers do not end there. These vehicles are also low maintenance, with fewer moving parts, which translates to reduced maintenance costs for operators. The batteries used in electric 3-wheelers are also long-lasting, with some models having a range of up to 130 km on a single charge, making them suitable for long-distance travel as well.
      Cost of operating and maintaining these vehicles is relatively low, making them an attractive option for drivers. Additionally, electric 3-wheelers are exempt from several taxes, making them a financially viable option for operators. Electric 3-wheelers are easy to operate, making them an attractive option for drivers who may not have the necessary qualifications or experience to operate larger vehicles. They are also relatively easy to park, reducing the time and effort required to find parking in congested urban areas.
      The Rise of Electric 3-Wheelers in Last-Mile Connectivity
      Electric 3-wheelers are ideal for last-mile connectivity. They are compact and can navigate through narrow streets and alleys, making them perfect for use in congested urban areas. They are also faster than traditional bicycles and offer a more comfortable ride, making them an attractive option for passengers.
      The success of 3-wheelers, tuk-tuks, and auto-rickshaws can be attributed to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, suitability for last-mile connectivity, and versatility. With the availability of electric 3-wheelers, their popularity has only increased. As cities continue to look for sustainable and efficient modes of transportation, electric 3-wheelers offer a viable solution. More