E Rickshaw manufacturers in Kanpur

Introduction

The e-rickshaw industry has seen tremendous growth in India over the last decade. Kanpur, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as one of the key manufacturing hubs for e-rickshaws in the country.

E-rickshaws first started gaining popularity in India around 2007-2008 as an affordable means of last-mile connectivity. Typically pulled by a motorbike, these were initially limited to smaller cities and towns. However, in 2015 the Government of India launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in India. This gave a major boost to the e-rickshaw industry.

Kanpur was one of the early pioneers in e-rickshaw manufacturing, with companies like Electric Plus Green setting up facilities here. Proximity to Delhi-NCR and east India, availability of land, labor and infrastructure make Kanpur an ideal location. Today it is home to over a dozen major e-rickshaw manufacturers in India including the likes of Mahindra Electric, Champion Poly Plast, and Bestway Agencies among others. Kanpur has established itself as one of the country’s electric vehicle manufacturing hubs.

The affordable price and running costs have made e-rickshaws immensely popular, providing an eco-friendly means of transportation. Kanpur is at the heart of driving this transformation towards sustainable mobility in India.

Top Manufacturers

Electric Plus Green, Mayuri E Rickshaw, ATUL Auto, Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited, and Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd are some of the top e-rickshaw manufacturers based in Kanpur, India.

Electric Plus Green

Driven by passion for environmental conservation and technological innovation, Electric Green aims to revolutionize the way we think about transportation and energy consumption. With a diverse range of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, Electric Green cater to the needs of urban commuters, businesses and environmentally conscious individuals, offering efficient and reliable mobility solutions that contribute to a cleaner and greener tomorrow.

Mayuri E Rickshaw

Mayuri E Rickshaw manufactures electric autos, e-rickshaws, and electric motorcycles. The company started operations in 2012 and has its manufacturing facilities located in Kanpur. Mayuri has an annual production capacity of over 30,000 e-rickshaws and caters to domestic and international markets.

ATUL Auto

ATUL Auto Limited is a renowned manufacturer of three-wheelers in India. The company manufactures e-rickshaws under the brand E-Auto and has the capacity to produce over 3,000 e-rickshaws per month at its Kanpur plant. ATUL Auto aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable transportation solutions.

Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited

Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited is the electric vehicle division of Mahindra & Mahindra. Its manufacturing facility in Kanpur produces three and four-wheeler electric vehicles including the e-Alfa Mini rickshaw. Mahindra Electric is focused on electrifying mobility in India.

Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd.

Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd. is part of the Kinetic Group and manufactures electric vehicles including e-rickshaws. The company set up an e-vehicle manufacturing facility in Kanpur in 2018 that has an annual production capacity of over 50,000 electric three-wheelers. Kinetic Green aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in India.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for e-rickshaws in Kanpur involves several key steps:

• Frame construction – The frame forms the skeleton of the e-rickshaw. It is made from steel tubes that are welded together. The frame needs to be sturdy to handle the weight of the batteries, motor and passengers. Most e-rickshaw frames in Kanpur are constructed in small welding shops.
• Motor and battery installation – The electric motor and batteries that power the e-rickshaw are installed onto the frame. Lead-acid batteries are commonly used as they are cost-effective, despite having a shorter lifespan. The motor output typically ranges from 250W to 750W. The batteries and motor are usually sourced from various component manufacturers.
• Body assembly – Pre-fabricated metal sheets, plastic mouldings and other body parts are assembled onto the frame to complete the body of the e-rickshaw. This includes side panels, seats, canopy, handlebar, controls, lighting etc. The seating layout and overall design is customized by the e-rickshaw manufacturer. Fiberglass is sometimes used for lighter weight.
• Painting and finishing – The e-rickshaw goes through a painting booth for the final finish. This includes multiple coats of primer, paint and clear coat in the manufacturer’s distinctive color theme. Branding stickers and accessories are added.
• Testing and inspection – Before delivery to customers, every e-rickshaw is thoroughly tested for electrical, mechanical and driving functions. Any defects are fixed at this stage. Safety features are also inspected to meet regulations.

The entire manufacturing process is highly modular and involves sourcing components from various suppliers. This allows small-scale e-rickshaw assemblers in Kanpur to operate with minimal investment in machinery and infrastructure. The process combines manual fabrication techniques with assembly-line efficiency to produce affordable and customized e-rickshaws.

Key Technologies

The key technologies used in e-rickshaws have evolved in recent years to enhance performance, efficiency, and safety. Some key innovations include:

Motor Types and Performance

Most e-rickshaws use 48V to 72V brushless DC hub motors with power ratings between 600W to 2000W. Higher power motors provide better hill climbing ability and allow the rickshaw to carry heavier loads. Newer BLDC motors are more efficient, generate less heat, and require less maintenance compared to older brushed DC motors.

Battery Technology and Capacity

Lead-acid batteries used to be common but lithium-ion batteries are now the preferred choice due to their higher energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and reliability. Battery capacity has increased from around 75-100 Ah earlier to 120-200 Ah now. This allows e-rickshaws to travel farther between charges.

Braking Systems

E-rickshaws now incorporate various improvements in braking systems for better safety – dual braking circuits, regenerative braking to recharge batteries, electric brakes with auto-reverse function if accelerator is released, and disc brakes for reduced stopping distance.

Design Innovations

Manufacturers are focusing on improving ergonomics and comfort for drivers and passengers. Suspension systems, adjustable seats, backrests, improved roof, and side covers provide a more convenient experience. Waterproof and dust-proof components also enhance durability.

Sales and Distribution

E-rickshaws have become an integral part of the transportation landscape in many parts of India. Kanpur, being a major hub for e-rickshaw manufacturing, also has a well-developed sales and distribution network to support the industry.

Dealerships and Sales Networks

Most e-rickshaw manufacturers in Kanpur sell their products through an authorized dealer network across Uttar Pradesh and other states. The dealers act as the touchpoints for customers to enquire, test drive and purchase e-rickshaws. Manufacturers also provide support to dealers for marketing, inventory management, financing and after-sales service. Larger players like Saera Electric Auto have over 300 dealerships while smaller companies rely on 100-150 dealers.

Export Markets

Exporting e-rickshaws to international markets, especially Africa, Southeast Asia and SAARC countries has emerged as a lucrative opportunity for Kanpur manufacturers. Companies are increasingly establishing distribution partnerships and appointing local distributors to drive exports. Key export destinations include Kenya, Uganda, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka among others. Saera claims to export over 5,000 e-rickshaws annually.

Financing Options

Purchasing an e-rickshaw represents a significant investment for many first-time buyers. To make e-rickshaws more affordable, most dealers offer financing support through tie-ups with banks and NBFCs. This allows buyers to pay a certain amount upfront and the remaining via monthly EMIs over 1-2 years. Some NBFCs also offer “on-road” financing where only minimal paperwork is required to secure a loan. Manufacturers also organize financing camps to assist customers in getting loans.

Industry Trends

The e-rickshaw manufacturing industry in Kanpur has seen rapid growth in recent years driven by rising demand and supportive government policies.

• The market size for e-rickshaws in India is estimated to reach around 1 million units per year by 2025, up from around 0.5 million units in 2018. This growth is being fueled by rising awareness and acceptability of electric vehicles, especially in urban transportation.
• The Indian government has implemented several policies to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, including e-rickshaws. Key policies include FAME scheme subsidies, GST incentives, permit relaxations, and EV charging infrastructure development. This is encouraging more manufacturers to enter the e-rickshaw market.
• However, e-rickshaws also face stiff competition from other electric vehicles like e-autos, e-bikes and e-scooters. Consumers have more electric vehicle options now. E-rickshaw manufacturers need to focus on design innovations, adding more features and enhancing performance to stay competitive against other electric vehicles.

Challenges

The e-rickshaw industry in Kanpur faces some key challenges that need to be addressed for it to continue growing sustainably.

Lack of Safety Standards

One major challenge is the lack of enforced safety standards for e-rickshaws. Since this is still a nascent industry, regulations around safety features like seatbelts, rollover protection, emergency brakes, etc. are not well-defined. This makes the vehicles susceptible to accidents and puts passengers as well as drivers at risk. Industry associations need to work with regulatory bodies to establish proper safety norms.

High Number of Unorganized Players

The e-rickshaw market in Kanpur has a high number of unorganized small-scale manufacturers. Many of these use substandard parts or retrofit motors in cycle rickshaws instead of designing e-rickshaws from the ground up. The lack of scale and professional operations affects quality control and after-sales support. Consolidation through mergers or acquisitions can improve the structure of this highly fragmented industry.

Infrastructure Limitations

Kanpur’s infrastructure is not yet ready to handle the exponential growth in e-rickshaws. Issues like lack of dedicated lanes, improper parking spaces, and limited EV charging stations need to be addressed. The local administration needs to plan urban development with e-rickshaws in mind. Smart city projects incorporating EV infrastructure and streamlined traffic management are the need of the hour.

Future Outlook

The future looks bright for e-rickshaw manufacturers in Kanpur. Here are some key trends and developments to watch for:

Product Innovations and New Models

• Manufacturers are working on developing new e-rickshaw models with improved features like more passenger space, increased load capacity, and better safety features. Models with foldable seats and canopies are also coming out to maximize space utilization.
• We will see e-rickshaws with advanced lithium-ion batteries that enable higher speeds and longer drive ranges per charge. Many makers are gearing up to launch such models.
• Manufacturers are innovating with IoT and connectivity features like GPS navigation, onboard cameras, remote monitoring, etc. Some models even have smartphone charging points for passengers.
• There is a focus on better design aesthetics and visual appeal to attract more customers over other public transport options.

Export Potential

• There is growing interest and demand for e-rickshaws in other developing countries looking for sustainable and cost-effective urban transport. This presents a major export opportunity for Kanpur’s manufacturers.
• Makers are enhancing product quality, improving testing facilities and obtaining necessary certifications to export e-rickshaws to potential markets like Africa, Southeast Asia, etc.
• Government initiatives like Make in India are facilitating access to global markets and promoting indigenous manufacturers at international platforms.

Transition to Lithium Batteries

• Most makers are working on developing e-rickshaw variants powered by lithium-ion batteries that have higher energy density, faster charging and last longer than conventional lead-acid batteries.
• The industry is investing in R&D and tie-ups with battery technology firms to bring safer and cost-effective lithium batteries suitable for e-rickshaws. This will boost vehicle range and performance.
• Transition to lithium batteries will be a key step in the evolution of e-rickshaws and the industry’s growth. It will make e-rickshaws more efficient and competitive in the longer run.
• Government support for indigenous lithium cell production and battery swapping infrastructure will aid this crucial transition for the industry.

Key Takeaways

Kanpur’s e-rickshaw manufacturing industry has grown rapidly in recent years to become a major hub of production. Some key highlights about the industry include:

• Most manufacturers rely on locally sourced components like batteries, motors, and controllers. Frames and bodies are usually welded locally as well. This helps keep costs low.
• Electric rickshaw designs are simple and standardized across manufacturers. This makes them affordable and easy to produce at scale. Most models are nearly identical.
• Factories use cutting edge automation like CNC machines for precision fabrication.
• Distribution networks across India help take Kanpur’s e-rickshaws nationwide. Northern states like UP, Bihar, and Delhi are top markets.
• Industry faced uncertainty due to new regulations in recent years, but adapted successfully. Future growth depends on stable policies and upgrades in design.
• Overall, Kanpur’s e-rickshaw industry provides essential transportation while creating many jobs locally.

Why Choose Electric Plus Green Mobility Pvt Ltd.

Above Among these pioneers, Electric Green emerges as a standout, driven by a passionate pursuit of environmental conservation and technological advancement. Their diverse range of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers caters to urban commuters, businesses, and individuals dedicated to shaping a cleaner and greener future.

Become an Authorized Dealer/Distributor with Electric Green, Call us at 1800 890 6232 for more information.

Choosing Electric Green‘s E-Rickshaw means embracing a future where eco-conscious mobility meets reliability and innovation. With cutting-edge technology, these vehicles redefine urban commuting, offering efficiency, affordability, and a greener footprint. Each ride represents a commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Opting for Electric Green isn’t just a choice; it’s a transformative step towards sustainable, smarter transportation, fostering a cleaner world for generations to come.