It’s hard to imagine India’s roads without images of the country’s popular three-wheelers battling traffic jams. They are a major part of India’s transportation ecosystem, and now leading three-wheeler maker Mahindra is hoping to make them all electric with the help of IRP Systems’ cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Leading automobile manufacturer Mahindra, through its Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) division, has announced a new partnership with electric vehicle powertrain solutions company IRP Systems. The partnership will see IRP supply advanced motor controllers for Mahindra three-wheelers, which will help increase EV penetration in the last mile transportation sector.
According to the announcement, this agreement follows the successful rigorous testing and validation process of the powertrain hardware to meet the requirements of the Indian market as well as Mahindra’s other global markets.
As Sanjeev Gupta, Head of Operations, MLMML, explained, “We aim to electrify last mile transportation with state-of-the-art technology as well as reliable vehicles. The collaboration with IRP Systems, which shares a similar vision, is an important step in that direction.
Moran Price, CEO of IRP Systems, said: “We are proud to collaborate with India’s leading OEMs. The synergy between the two companies is a game changer in India’s last-mile market, creating a winning offering in one of the most important sectors. This is another big step towards our goal of making EVs accessible to everyone, everywhere.
In India, the ubiquitous three-wheeler, known locally as “auto-rickshaw”, has cemented its place as a common form of urban transportation.
The popularity of these vehicles can be attributed to a combination of factors deeply rooted in the Indian socio-economic scenario.
Firstly, their compact size and maneuverability make them ideal for traversing India’s congested urban roads, where larger vehicles have difficulty passing. This agility allows auto-rickshaws to move through traffic efficiently, providing passengers with a faster and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis or public buses.
The widespread adoption of auto-rickshaws can be traced to their affordability for both passengers and drivers. For many individuals in India, especially those in the lower-income group, owning or driving a three-wheeler is a viable means of earning a livelihood. The relatively low initial cost of purchasing an auto-rickshaw, coupled with minimal maintenance expenses, makes it an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the transportation sector.
Additionally, auto-rickshaw drivers often work on a flexible, informal basis, allowing them to adapt to fluctuating demand and maximize their earnings in a dynamic urban environment. Thus, these vehicles have become not only a mode of transportation but also a symbol of economic empowerment for many individuals across India.
While small motorcycle combustion engines have historically powered auto-rickshaws, the last few years have seen a push towards electrification. Major companies like IKEA in India have also moved towards adopting electric auto-rickshaws for delivery work.
