Retrofit Kit Turns Rickshaws Electric

By Jony Shekhawat | Published Date : September 30, 2025

A smart, affordable way for rickshaw drivers to go electric without replacing their vehicles.

Switching to electric vehicles is becoming more than just a trend in India — it’s now a smart financial and environmental move, especially for auto rickshaw drivers. But buying a new electric auto is expensive, and many drivers can’t afford that big investment.

To solve this problem, a startup named E-Vidyut from Maharashtra has come up with a new solution, a retrofitting kit that can convert regular petrol or CNG auto rickshaws into electric ones. The best part? It’s certified by ARAI and already approved by RTO, which means it’s completely legal and safe for commercial use.

Commercial Rollout Starts in Maharashtra

Table Of Contents

1. Commercial Rollout Starts in Maharashtra

2. 132 KM Range Per Charge and Huge Savings

3. New 50,000 Auto Rickshaws in Two Years

4. Backed by Global Investors

5. Cost-Effective and Compliant Vehicle Option

6. Conclusion

E-Vidyut has officially started its commercial operations in Maharashtra.E-Vidyut has officially started its commercial operations in Maharashtra. Earlier, only 30 rickshaws were registered for a retrofit kit installation. This is a clear sign that enlightened users' intention in switching to electric instead of buying a new EV vehicle. This is also best for mini truck and pickup users who are planning to reduce their maintenance costs and overall fuel consumption costs.

132 KM Range Per Charge and Huge Savings

The retrofit kit by E-Vidyut offers a certified range of 132 kilometers per charge. That’s more than enough for a full day of driving in the city. According to the company, this kit can help drivers save up to 70% on fuel costs every day. And because the vehicle runs on electricity, it can reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 tonnes per year.

Such innovations are paving the way for more sustainable local transport, much like we’ve seen in the rise of pickup EVs for last-mile deliveries.

New 50,000 Auto Rickshaws in Two Years

E-Vidyut isn’t stopping with Maharashtra. Now, the company decides to explore its business in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Gujarat. With this expansion in 6 new states, they have decided to provide 50,000 auto-rickshaws as electric vehicles in the upcoming two years.

Gradually, electric mobility is going to develop a new eco-friendly vehicle industry along with public transport like buses, without changing the entire system.

Backed by Global Investors

This project is supported by global venture capital firm Pontaq, which helped E-Vidyut improve its technology and get necessary certifications. Pontaq’s team believes that this initiative will not only help drivers earn more but will also push India closer to its EV goals.

Their support also boosts confidence in other segments such as the electric truck industry, which is slowly growing across India.

Cost-Effective and Compliant Vehicle Option

For auto rickshaw drivers who have 5 to 15-year-old vehicles, this retrofit kit is a game-changer. Instead of spending lakhs on a new electric auto, they can now upgrade their existing one at a much lower cost — and still enjoy the same benefits.

This shift is well-aligned with the government’s EV policies and could be the beginning of a wider adoption of electric mobility — including in the truck segment, which plays a huge role in India’s transport ecosystem.

Conclusion

E-Vidyut’s new retrofit kit brings a fresh and practical solution for India’s rickshaw drivers. It’s cheaper than buying a new vehicle, good for the environment, and fully approved for road use. As more states adopt this technology, it could play a big role in transforming how we move people and goods across the country.

Also Read: Montra’s New Rhino 5538 EV Truck Launched with Quick Battery Swapping Feature

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Frequently Asked Questions on Trucks

Q1. How far can an electric 3-wheeler travel on a full charge?

Ans. Most electric 3-wheelers can travel between 80 to 120 kilometers on a full charge, depending on the battery type, vehicle load, and road conditions.

Q2. How long does it take to fully charge an electric 3-wheeler?

Ans. The charging time depends on the battery used. Electric 3-wheelers with lead-acid batteries typically take 6 to 8 hours to charge, while those with lithium-ion batteries take around 3 to 5 hours. Some models also offer fast-charging options.

Q3. What are the maintenance costs compared to petrol or diesel rickshaws?

Ans. Electric 3-wheelers generally have 30 to 50 percent lower maintenance costs than petrol or diesel rickshaws, since they have fewer moving parts and do not require engine oil, clutch repairs, or frequent servicing.

Q4. Are government subsidies available for electric 3-wheelers?

Ans. Yes, many electric 3-wheelers are eligible for government subsidies under schemes like FAME II in India, as well as various state-level incentives that offer financial support, tax benefits, and reduced registration fees.

Q5. How much money can a driver save daily using an electric 3-wheeler?

Ans. On average, a driver can save between ₹150 to ₹300 per day on fuel expenses by switching to an electric 3-wheeler, depending on how much they drive and the local cost of electricity.

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