Best Electric Auto Rickshaw in India: Mahindra Treo or Piaggio Ape E City?

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : September 05, 2025

Mahindra Treo offers better range, power and comfort than Piaggio Ape E City, making it ideal for long shifts and higher daily earnings.

Electric autos are picking up speed in India — and not just on the roads. Drivers across the country are switching to electric 3-wheelers because they’re cheaper to run, easier to maintain and better for the environment.

Among the top options today are the Mahindra Treo and Piaggio Ape E City. Both are solid choices. But if you're a passenger auto driver, which one should you buy? Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide.

Battery and Motor – Who Has More Power?

Table of Contents

1. Battery and Motor – Who Has More Power?

2. Range – How Far Can You Go?

3. Charging Time – Quick Turnaround?

4. Space and Comfort – Which Feels Better?

5. Top Speed – Which Goes Faster?

6. Price – Which is More Affordable?

7. Real Driver Reviews – What Are People Saying?

8. Popular Variants You Can Buy

9. So, Which One Should You Choose?

10. Conclusion:

A powerful motor means your auto can carry more passengers easily, even on flyovers or crowded city roads. In this area, Mahindra Treo takes the lead.

• Mahindra Treo offers 8 kW motor power (about 10 HP)
• Piaggio Ape E City comes with a smaller 5.4 kW motor (around 7.3 HP)

Treo also delivers better torque, which helps in quick pick-up and smoother rides when loaded with passengers. If you carry full loads often or drive in hilly areas, Treo will perform better.

Range – How Far Can You Go?

One of the most important things in an electric 3 wheeler is how far it can go on one charge. If you’re a driver who works full shifts, you’ll want a higher range.

• Mahindra Treo gives a range of up to 139 km on a single charge.
• Piaggio Ape E City offers only 68 km per full charge.

Clearly, Treo gives almost double the distance, which means fewer charging breaks and more earnings in a day.

Charging Time – Quick Turnaround?

Both autos take around 3 to 4 hours to fully charge. Treo supports fast charging which gives it a small edge. You can fully charge the Treo in about 3 hours and 50 minutes. For the Piaggio Ape E City, it’s roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.

However, Piaggio also offers a swappable battery version. That’s useful if you want to just swap batteries instead of waiting to charge.

Space and Comfort – Which Feels Better?

For both autos, the seating is similar: one driver and three passengers. But Mahindra Treo has a slightly longer wheelbase, which means:

• More leg space for passengers
• Better balance while driving
• Smoother ride even on uneven roads

Passengers will likely feel more comfortable in the Treo, especially on longer trips.

Top Speed – Which Goes Faster?

Speed matters, especially when you’re driving all day.

• Mahindra Treo has a top speed of 55 km/h
• Piaggio Ape E City can reach only 45 km/h

Though both are good for city roads, Treo helps you complete more trips in less time.

Price – Which is More Affordable?

Both electric autos are priced below Rs 3 lakh, but Mahindra Treo is slightly cheaper.

• Treo price starts from around Rs 2.72 lakh*
• Ape E City starts from Rs 2.84 lakh*

So if budget matters to you, Treo gives better value for money with stronger features.

Real Driver Reviews – What Are People Saying?

Drivers of Piaggio Ape E City said:

• “Perfect for short rides in the city.” – Salim Ansari
• “Cost-saving and clean driving experience.” – Ganesh Jadhav
• “Low noise, my passengers like it.” – Gagan Pratap
• “Fast charging helps during the busy hours.” – Lakhan Pal

Drivers of Mahindra Treo shared:

• “One charge is enough for the whole day.” – Akash Meena
• “Good mix of power and features.” – Sameer Lohia
• “Perfect for last-mile deliveries.” – Imran Sheikh
• “Easy to handle, very user-friendly.” – Ankur Singh

Popular Variants You Can Buy

Mahindra Treo:

• HRT and SFT models with 10 HP motor
• Yaari versions with 3 HP, seating for 4 passengers
• Range goes up to 150 km (Yaari SFT)

Piaggio Ape E City:

• FX model with 7.3 HP motor
• Swappable battery model gives 68 km per swap
• Includes hill hold assist and multi-drive modes

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you want:

• Longer range
• More power
• Better passenger comfort
• And lower price

The Mahindra Treo is the better electric auto rickshaw in 2025.

If you prefer:

• Short city trips
• Battery swapping convenience
• And don’t mind charging more ofte

Then Piaggio Ape E City could still be a good fit.

Conclusion:

In 2025, both Mahindra Treo and Piaggio Ape E City are strong options in the electric 3 wheeler market. But if you're looking for higher performance, longer range and better value – Mahindra Treo is the best electric auto for passenger use.

Related Blogs: 

Volvo FH Truck Brings Global Highway Standards to India

2025 GST Update: Big Relief for Three-Wheeler and Vehicle Buyers

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Frequently Asked Questions on 3 Wheelers

1: Which electric auto has the best range in India?

Ans: Mahindra Treo offers the best range, going up to 139–150 km on a single charge, ideal for daily commercial use.

2: Is Piaggio Ape E City good for city rides?

Ans: Yes, it's suitable for short-distance rides with a compact build and swappable battery option, perfect for urban areas.

3: Which 3 wheeler EV is more affordable in 2025?

Ans: Mahindra Treo starts at a slightly lower price (Rs 2.72 lakh) compared to Piaggio Ape E City (Rs 2.84 lakh), offering better value.

4: What’s better for daily driving – Treo or Ape E City?

Ans: Mahindra Treo is better for long shifts due to higher range and motor power, while Ape E City suits shorter, quick city routes.

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