Commercial Vehicles

Omega Electric Cargo M1KAM1KA is directed for multiple uses such as courier, goods distribution, E-Commerce and FMCGElectric Vehicle manufacturer Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has introduced the new M1KA, the country’s first electric small commercial vehicle (SCV). It is showcased as a prototype in a walkaround video by Behind The Wheels.Omega Electric Cargo M1KA LCV is green and practical loading vehicle that is ideally suited for many applications, be it courier, goods carrier, e-commerce and FMCG, etc. It is designed to live up to the expectation of ‘AAPKI AAMDANI KA SAATHI’. It receives a well-appointed exterior design and comfortable cabin while its loading area is of 9.5 feet length and 5 feet width.Omega Electric Cargo M1KA LCV – Exterior FeaturesM1KA electric carrier gets simple yet elegant exteriors. It sports LED headlamps, DRLs and projector lamps, a feature rarely offered in a commercial vehicle. It boasts of a fiber body with an aerodynamic design. The front windshield is expansive with wipers and M1KA badging is seen in chrome.Body coloured ORVMs, 17” wheels, disc brakes and OSM badging completes its exteriors. It has been noted on the prototype that ground clearance is somewhat lower but this is due to the positioning of the battery pack. This might change for the better on the production model.[embedded content][embedded content]The 2 seater cabin is spacious and contains some driver comforts. Extensive use of fiber polymer is seen in the cabin along with larger driver side window. Seating is comfortable with reclining function and integrated headrests. M1KA gets a premium steering wheel with steering mounted functions.The dashboard gets slim blue LED lighting accents along with a display unit with android based touchscreen and Bluetooth function to sync the smartphone. M1KA gets Android Auto with real time alerts for Google Maps, turn by turn navigation. It also gets 20 connected features such as remote commands, driving analytics, vehicle health status, etc.Power and PerformanceThe company claims that the M1KA will be fitted with an advanced 30 kW motor which the company is developing jointly with its partners. It will also receive a 90 kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) battery. The motor will produce 347 Nm peak output and will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission and dry clutch.Omega Electric Cargo M1KA LCVThis commercial cargo electric vehicle which will have a payload capacity of 2 tons will be able to go upto 200-250 kms on a single charge with a top speed at 100 km/h. The battery pack will weigh upto 700 kgs and will get an active cooling system to maintain temperature at optimum levels. The battery takes 4 hours for a full charge at DC fast charging stations and up to 8 hours via a normal charger.The new M1KA will have the Tata Ace, Maruti Suzuki Super Carry, Mahindra Jeeto and Ashok Leyland Dost as it competitors but these are all powered by IC engines. Pricing and other details will be revealed later. More

Image of modified rickshaw for referenceThree wheeler sales were up 74 percent on a YoY basis witnessing high demand during the festive season with a strategic shift from ICE to EVs
Three wheeler sales in India have seen outstanding results in the past month, particularly so when compared to sales of two and four wheelers and tractors. Three wheeler sales stood at 39,077 units in October 2021, up 73.93 percent over 22,467 units sold in October 2020.
It was however, lower by 38.01 percent over 63,040 units sold in October 2019. There is also a definite shift towards electric three wheelers in recent months. Every three wheeler maker posted positive YoY sales except for Piaggio Vehicles and TVS Motor Co.
Rickshaw, 3W Retail Sales Oct 2021 – Bajaj Auto Leads the Segment
As per Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) data, three-wheeler retail sales were led by Bajaj Auto. Sales stood at 14,018 units in October 2021, up from 8,396 units retailed in October 2020. Market share dipped from 37.37 percent held in October 2020 to 35.87 percent in the past month.
Bajaj Auto has also started testing of its first electric three wheeler set to launch sometime in 2022. The company is also working on an electric version of the Qute quadricycle which Bajaj Auto had launched a few years ago.
Three wheeler sales Oct 2021 – FADA
Retail sales of Piaggio Vehicles dipped last month. Sales and market share which had stood at 4,407 units and 19.62 percent dipped to 4,192 units and 10.73 percent last month. The Italian automaker is also targeting the e-three wheeler and two wheeler segments in markets of Europe, India and Asia. Ape E-Xtra FX is a leader in e-3W cargo carriers.
YC Electric as noted significant increase in YoY retail sales. What stood at 817 units in October 2020, increased to 1,746 units in the past month. The YATRI e-rickshaw has found good response in north Indian markets and is specially regaled for its 4+1 seating capacity.
At No.4, Atul Auto was also one of the key players in the Indian three wheeler commercial vehicle space. The company posted positive YoY growth for its three wheelers which stood at 1,401 units in the past month, up from 883 units sold in October 2020. Market share also increased from 3.93 percent to 3.59 percent YoY.

No
Rickshaw / 3W Sales
Oct-21
Oct-20
%

1
Bajaj
14,018
8,396
66.96

2
Piaggio
4,192
4,407
-4.88

3
YC Electric
1,746
817
113.71

4
Atul
1,401
883
58.66

5
Mahindra
1,282
526
143.73

6
Saera Electric
877
342
156.43

7
Champion Polyplast
805
259
210.81

8
Mahindra Reva
757
274
176.28

9
Dilli Electric
738
179
312.29

10
TVS
696
729
-4.53

11
Best Way Agencies
636
204
211.76

12
JS Auto
552
193
186.01

13
Vani Electric
480
307
56.35

14
Thukral Electric
471
177
166.10

15
Unique International
452
108
318.52

16
Mini Metro EV
422
119
254.62

17
Energy EV
400
86
365.12

18
Others
9,152
4,461
105.16

–
Total
39,077
22,467
73.93

Retail sales of Mahindra increased from 526 units sold in October 2020 to 1,282 units last month and market share increased from 2.34 percent held in October 2020 to 3.28 percent last month. Mahindra Treo dominates the electric 3W passenger segment. Mahindra Reva was also on this list at No. 8 with 757 units retailed last month, up from 274 units retailed in October 2020.
Electric Three Wheeler Sales Oct 2021
Each of the three wheeler makers Saera Electric, Champion and Dilli Electric posted positive YoY growth in October 2021 while TVS Motor Co reported a YoY de-growth to the extent of 696 units in October 2021 down from 729 units retailed in October 2020.
Retail growth through the month of October 2021 was also reported in the case of Best Way Agencies (636 units), JS Auto (552 units) and Vani Electric (480 units). Thukral Electric (471 units), Unique International (452 units) and Mini Metro (422 units) also posted an increase in retail sales. There were other three wheeler makers which included e-vehicle makers that recorded 9,152 unit sales in the past month, up from 4,461 units retailed in October 2020. More

India’s First Fast Charging Electric Cargo RickshawOmega Seiki mobility and Log 9 Materials opens pre-bookings for launch of 2 Rage+ Rapid EV variants
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has partnered with battery-tech startup Log 9 Materials. With this comes the launch of its 3-Wheeler Rage+ Rapid EV. It claims to be the Fastest charging 3- Wheeler EV Powered by InstaCharge Technology. Pre-booking for Rage+ Rapid EV Open Carrier Half Tray and Rage+ RapidEV with 140 cubic ft. top body container are now being accepted.
Pre-bookings are being accepted for 10 grands for the first 1,000 customers. The electric vehicles are currently listed at a discounted ex-showroom price of Rs 3.59 lakh, and Rs 3.99 lakh, respectively. Developed jointly, Rage+ RapidEV range caters to requirements of Indian consumers. The current festive season offer ensures a price adjustment of upto Rs 1 Lakh.
Pre-booking to delivery
Once the online pre-booking window closes, Omega Seiki/Log 9 team reps will connect with customers to complete the payment process and other formalities. Vehicles will be shipped to customers within a 4-6 week period from date of pre-booking.
Both Omega Seiki Rage+ Rapid EVs, on offer RapidX 6000 fast-charging batteries based on the flagship InstaCharge tech innovated by Log 9 Materials. This ensures that full charge is attained within 35 minutes. The company says battery design is optimised to take on wide ranging Indian weather conditions.
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Operating temp ranges from -30°C to +60°C. Batteries are capable of 40,000 charge-discharge cycles. 10+ years of battery life is what has been stated. Range capacity on a single charge is listed at 90km. Rage+ RapidEV electric three-wheeler range is aimed at customers in the B2B last-mile cargo and delivery segment in India.
Fast Charging Electric Three Wheelers – Buy back guarantee
Omega Rage+ Rapid EVs are being sold with a buy back guarantee with 5 years after purchase. The buy back amount guaranteed is capped at a lakh. The approach is designed to address challenges faced when it comes to resale value of EVs. Rage+ Rapid EVs are offered with 5-year vehicle warranty, and 6-year battery warranty.
Log 9 is offering InstaCharge on Demand’. The phone-call-based EV charging service brings the high-power charger to a vehicle owners’ preferred location. Customers will have access to Log 9’s ‘InstaCharge App’, which will help users find location based charging stations at ease.
Fast charging on the go
Mr. Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman, Omega Seiki Mobility said, “Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) believes that the way to develop faster EV Technology is through creating alliances. We are elated to partner with Log9 Materials as we share common values of creating Made-In-India and Made-for-India products.
OSM is at the pinnacle of the cargo EV segment in India and with the launch of Rage+ Rapid EV, I am sure our customers will be delighted with the unique value proposition offered. Resolving range anxiety with industry-leading charging time will lead to more uptime for last-mile logistics customers as well as entrepreneurs, adding more firepower to their business.” More

Euler Electric Three WheelerHiLoad EV is better than competition in several ways including best-in-class load carrying capacity of 688 kg
With continuous improvements in technology, EVs are getting better with every passing day. The trend can be seen across the industry including electric two-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles. In commercial space, the electric three-wheeler cargo segment has received a major boost with the launch of Euler Motors HiLoad EV. With higher load carrying capacity, best-in-class range and various other benefits, HiLoad EV can emerge as the preferred choice for e-commerce and 3PL businesses.
Euler Electric Three Wheeler HiLoad EV – segment-first features
In cargo segment, one of the important factors is load carrying capacity. Operators usually prefer vehicles with higher load capacity, as it allows them to earn more per trip. HiLoad suits such requirements, as it can carry 688 kg load. In comparison, the industry standard is 550 kg for electric three-wheelers and 520 kg for ICE-based cargo three-wheelers.
Another key benefit of HiLoad is that it has highest certified range of 151 km on a single charge. This ensures that users can spend more time earning and less on charging their vehicle. Range anxiety is further reduced with easy availability of charging points.
In Delhi-NCR, Euler Motors operates more than 200 charging stations. HiLoad is offered with fast charging, allowing users to load 50 km in just 15 minutes. In worst case scenarios also, users can get quick help with Euler’s Charge on Wheels mobile service station.
Saurav Kumar, Founder and CEO, Euler Motors with the new Euler Electric Three Wheeler
Euler HiLoad EV is equipped with 12.4 KWh battery, which ensures higher range and improved battery life. In comparison, industry standard for this segment is battery capacity of 8 KWh. HiLoad EV is better equipped to function in varied environments. It has best-in-class gradeability of 21%, as compared to industry standard of 15% for this segment.
Users can be assured about long-term use, as HiLoad EV offers best-in-class 3 years/ 80k km standard warranty and 3+2 years battery performance warranty. The latter is the first of its kind warranty to be offered for an electric cargo three-wheeler in the country.
HiLoad EV specs
HiLoad EV utilizes an advanced battery system comprising a thermal management system and liquid cooling technology. It ensures that the vehicle can continue to work without any issues even during extreme weather conditions. The battery can achieve a full charge in around 4-5 hours.
Euler Electric Three Wheeler Specs
HiLoad’s motor produces 10.96 kW of peak power and torque range of 88.55 Nm. The vehicle utilizes 200mm front disc brakes, a first in India. Other key features include projector headlamps, regenerative braking, battery monitoring and software assistance for fleet tracking.
Euler has plans to sell around 5k units of HiLoad EV by FY23. After Delhi, the company will be expanding its footprint to other cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad. Euler has already completed successful pilot projects with companies like Flipkart, BigBasket, and Udaan.
Bookings for HiLoad EV are currently open across the country. It is being offered at a starting price of Rs 3.50 lakh. Deliveries are expected to commence in the next 6-8 months. More

Image – SPS CarsBajaj Auto Limited was the only three wheeler maker to cross the 10,000 unit mark in terms of retail sales last month
As per data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), three wheeler retails increased substantially YoY. Retail sales which stood at 16,923 units in August 2020 increased to 30,410 units in the past month. This increase in sales indicates improvements in market conditions following months of slower sales.
Top 3 Three Wheeler Brands Aug 2021
Bajaj Auto Limited once again commanded this list. It was also the only three wheeler maker to record retail sales above the 10,000 unit mark. Sales in August 2021 stood at 11,006 units, up from 6,444 units sold in August 2020. Market share however dipped from 38.08 percent held in August 2020 to 36.19 percent in the past month.
Piaggio Vehicle retails stood at 3,841 units in the past month with a market share of 12.63 percent. This was as against retails of 3,701 units and a market share of 21.87 percent held in August 2020. In the past month, Three Wheels United (TWU) Bengaluru-based financier of light electric vehicles, entered into a partnership with Piaggio Vehicles to accelerate adoption of electric Three-wheelers in India. Under this partnership, Three Wheels United will deploy 500 Piaggio Ape’ E City and Ape’ E-Xtra vehicles across India.
YC Electric, Atul Auto, Mahindra
At No. 3 was YC Electric with three wheeler retails at 1,187 units, up from 572 units retailed in August 2020. Market share also increased marginally from 3.38 percent to 3.90 percent YoY.
Three Wheeler Retail Sales Aug 2021 – FADA
Another three wheeler maker to note increased retails was Atul Auto with retails increasing from 627 units sold in August 2020 to 1,133 units in the past month. It may also be recalled that earlier this year, Atul Auto became the first 3 wheeler automaker to partner CSC Grameen eStore, an e-commerce initiative by CSC eGovernance Services India Ltd thus enabling the company to promote digital ordering and delivery in rural areas.
Mahindra three wheeler sales also surged from 290 units in August 2020 to 1,111 units in the past month while market share increased substantially from 1.71 percent held in August 2020 to 3.65 percent last month. Mahindra Reva electric sales stood at 616 units, up from 225 units sold in same month last year.
Saera, TVS, Champion, Thukral
Saera Electric three wheeler retails increased two fold from 371 units retailed in August 2021 to 606 units in the past month TVS Motors also added to their retail sales which stood at 603 units in the past month over 411 units retailed in August 2020.

No
Rickshaw / 3W Sales
Aug-21
Aug-20
%

1
Bajaj
11,006
6,444
70.79

2
Piaggio
3,841
3,701
3.78

3
YC Electric
1,187
572
107.52

4
Atul
1,133
627
80.70

5
Mahindra
1,111
290
283.10

6
Mahindra Reva
616
225
173.78

7
Saera Electric
606
371
63.34

8
TVS
603
411
46.72

9
Champion Polyplast
567
146
288.36

10
Dilli Electric
443
150
195.33

11
Thukral Electric
402
148
171.62

12
Best Way Agencies
396
114
247.37

13
Unique International
382
121
215.70

14
JS Auto
344
121
184.30

15
Vani Electric
335
237
41.35

16
Mini Metro
311
117
165.81

17
Others + EV
7,127
3,128
127.85

–
Total
30,410
16,923
79.70

Other automakers such as Champion Poly Plast, Dilli Electric, Thukral Electric and Unique International all posted YoY growth in retails along with increase in market shares. Other three wheeler makers reported sales of 7,127 units in August 2021 up from 3,128 units retailed in the same month of the previous year. More

Omega Seiki Electric CV – India’s First Electric Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV)Prices of M1KA will be announced at the time of its launch which is expected to take place by the end of this year or early next year
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has unveiled the country’s first battery-powered small commercial vehicle (SCV) named M1KA. Bookings of this vehicle will commence from the last quarter of 2021. OSM ‘M1KA’ is designed to live up to the expectation of common folks with a small business.
The company claims M1KA offers best-in-class performance, dependability, and a value proposition with lower TCO. Currently, this segment of commercial vehicles is dominated by players such as Tata Ace, Maruti Suzuki Super Carry, Mahindra Jeeto and Ashok Leyland Dost but all powered by IC engines.
Details on M1KA
The small carrier will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Faridabad. Powering M1KA is an electric motor that derives its energy from an NMC-based battery pack with a rated capacity of 90kWh. The manufacturer claims a maximum range of 250km on a single charge. Using a DC fast charging station, it takes four hours for the battery to rejuvenate. It has an impressive payload capacity of two tonnes. Underpinning the SCV is a chassis with superior tensile strength.
Suspension setup comprises six leaf springs at front and seven at rear which makes it proficient on every terrain. M1KA has been equipped with a large loading bay which is highly suitable for heavy as well as voluminous load. M1KA has been targeted at a segment that is a combination of owners-cum-drivers and fleet owners, for whom cost-effectiveness is a major business criterion.
Omega Seiki Electric CV
On the occasion of its unveiling, Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of OSM said, “EV market is growing especially in the Commercial Vehicle space on the back of cost-effectiveness, sustainable solution and the increasing support from the central and the state Government. The current SOPs and favourable environment motivate us to expand our EV offerings for our customers.”
The company says that the SCV could be used for a variety of businesses such as courier, goods distribution, E-commerce and FMCG amongst others. OSM has been trying to push itself hard into the electric mobility space in India.
Other offerings from OSM
A few days ago, OSM announced that a US-based technology provider named C4V will be supplying the Delhi-based firm next generation high-performance lithium-ion batteries from its cell manufacturing joint ventures. These batteries will be utilised for future electric mobility of the company.
Earlier last month, the EV manufacturer announced its entry into the two-wheeler space by unveiling two electric scooters named Fiare and Zoro. These scooters were presented at the company’s new state-of-the-art flagship showroom in Pune. OSM set foot in the Indian automobile industry in early 2020 with the debut of Rage3+ which was the first electric three-wheeler for commercial purposes in the country. More

Vega ETX Electric Rickshaw Concept 2022Vega ETX derives its power from a solar panel fixed to its roof
Like it or not but battery power sources will replace internal combustion engines (ICE) in almost all automobiles in the coming few years. Tighter emission norms and rising fuel prices have only accelerated the transition process. Not just passenger vehicles and two-wheelers but commercial vehicles and shared mobility are also part of this transition.
Market for rickshaws or Tuk Tuks in South Asia
Three-wheeler auto-rickshaw, commonly referred to as Tuk Tuks in India and few other Southeast Asian countries, is still the most prominent form of public transport. In many places in India, diesel and petrol auto-rickshaws have already started facing sanctions and would soon disappear from the auto market.
The immediate solution is to shift to a CNG powertrain, however, sooner or later, all commercial three-wheelers would have to shift to an electric powertrain. In recent times, there have been a few options in the Indian market that have been responsible for the increase in share of electric three-wheelers in the country. However, none of them come from a prominent brand barring Mahindra Treo.
Vega ETX details
A Sri Lankan EV startup named Vega recently has revealed its upcoming electric rickshaw which goes by the name ETX. The first two letters of the acronym stand for electric three-wheeler while the significance of letter X is not yet known. At the moment, the rickshaw is just at a prototype stage and sadly there aren’t many specific details attached to it.
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In a short statement released on their social media handle, Vega has said that the ETX platform is an electric urban mobility solution for the future. It is a next-generation electric three-wheeler designed for safe, environmentally friendly, and economical urban mobility. The vehicle has been provided luggage space in addition to space for general passengers in order to transport goods.
Vega ETX Electric Rickshaw is powered by an electric motor that draws energy from LFP battery packs to maintain affordability. The primary highlight is the addition of a solar panel roof which avoids owners frequently quest for a charging point.
The battery can recover up to 64 kms per day only with its solar panels. Even though the panels are of smaller size, the nature of business allows the panels to be charged for most parts of the day.
This will also translate to even lesser running costs thus proving to be a very affordable means of public transportation. The company plans to introduce this vehicle not just in Sri Lanka but also in other South Asian countries where Tuk Tuks form a crucial part of public commutes. Vega plans to release a production-spec model based on the ETX sometime next year. More