India’s largest electric two-wheeler maker, Ola Electric Ltd, has been working on a portfolio of electric three-wheelers. But the secrecy and the absolutely zero updates on its electric 3-wheeler, makes us to wonder if Ola is making just another electric e-rickshaw or a 3 wheeled electric car.

A normal passenger car with 4 wheels can …

carry 4 passengers (along with the driver). ICE autorickshaws can carry 3 passengers (along with the driver). But 90% of the time the cars do not carry 4 passengers. Plus the 4^th wheel makes the car 10-15% less efficient and at the same time 75% more expensive to own.

The cost price of an autorickshaw is less than half of that of a car.

Autorickshaws have very small turning radius. Meaning that it can take an U-turn in very small lanes – perfect vehicle for the cities.

They also need lesser parking space – both in width and length.

A standard Car parking space typically has the following dimensions:

• Width: Approximately 2.4 meters (about 8 feet)
• Length: Approximately 4.8 to 6.0 meters (about 16 to 20 feet)

An autorickshaw typically requires less parking space compared to a standard car due to its smaller size. Here’s a general idea of the dimensions needed for parking an autorickshaw:

• Width: Approximately 1.4 to 1.5 meters (about 4.6 to 5 feet)
• Length: Approximately 2.6 to 2.8 meters (about 8.5 to 9.2 feet)

The fact it has a 3^rd wheel means it can carry double or triple the battery weight of the scooter. The existing Electric Rickshaws easily carry about 8 passengers (plus one driver).

Autorickshaws cater to both the upper and lower middle class of the society. As the upper and middle class are a majority in India it makes a lot of sense to manufacture rickshaws.

How does it cater to upper class? Well many of them hire it to travel to nearby areas. One example is Saif Ali Khan hailed a rickshaw to travel to the hospital when he was stabbed by a robber. There are many other incidents of actors and actresses hailing a rickshaw to travel.

All these are reasons to produce as many electric autorickshaws as we produce cars.

The biggest drawback of an autorickshaws is its ride quality. With smaller wheel and tiny shock absorbers travelling in it reminds one of riding in a bullock cart than a modern vehicle. With a bigger 16 inch wheel and better shock absorbers riding quality could easily improve.

Due to the above fact autorickshaws are used only for very short distances. But there have been instances when during lockdown Mumbai autorickshaws were driven all the way to UP.

Another disadvantage of an autorickshaws is that it can easily overturn when moving on pothole roads. Lack of seat belts and airbags are other concerns. But these are secondary and not as big an issue as in cars as autorickshaws do not go over 50kmph.

It is time the Autorickshaws – both the petrol/gas and the electric rickshaws be upgraded with air-conditioned interiors, interior and exterior LED lights, quality music system, comfortable leather seats with cupholders and Android 7inch touchscreens with Google Maps.

Ola Electric is likely to launch the first model in the second half of 2025 (most probably he will launch it on 15 August 2025), followed by another launch in 2026. Wonder what all features it will have?

Would he build a eRickshaw for personal use too? There would be a lot of people who would use it… like the Amazon delivery people as they can carry a lot of stuff in the rickshaw.

“We are working on three-wheelers,” Ola Electric Chairman and Managing Director Bhavish Aggarwal told investors after announcing the company’s second quarter results.

Although he did not mention the time of the launch, the company’s presentation shows that a passenger three-wheeler is being planned for the second half of next year while a cargo three-wheeler is slated for the second half of 2026.

Ola Electric 3Wheel Car could come with:

• Compact and Sleek Design: The Ola Electric 3-wheel car could come with a modern, aerodynamic design that’s perfect for navigating crowded city streets. Its compact size ensures easy parking and manoeuvrability.
• Safety Features: It could have advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), airbags, and reinforced chassis to ensure passenger safety.
• Comfort and Convenience: The vehicle would offer comfortable seating, ample legroom, and a user-friendly dashboard with digital displays and infotainment systems.

Technology:

• Electric Powertrain: Powered by a high-performance electric motor, the Ola Electric 3-wheel car will have smooth and efficient driving with zero tailpipe emissions.
• Battery and Range: Equipped with a long-lasting battery, the vehicle might be able to travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes.
• Fast Charging: Ola Electric’s rapid charging infrastructure could ensures that the vehicle can be charged up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
• Zero Emissions: By utilizing electric power, the Ola Electric 3-wheel car will helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Ola Electric seems to be working on multiple fronts like:

• eScooters
• eMotorcycles
• Li-Ion battery manufacturing
• Electric eRickshaws
• Krutrim AI software (this could be hived off into a different company)

Thus, Ola Electric is a very unique company in Indian Automobile Sector!