Astro Motors Nova

The Astro Motors Nova is an electric auto-rickshaw from the Mumbai-based commercial EV maker, priced from ₹3.50 Lakh ex-showroom. It is a high-speed L5N passenger carrier built on a chassis-with-cabin platform, seating a driver plus three passengers. Aimed at city and semi-urban operators who run all day, it pairs a 150 km range with a 435 kg payload on a 950 kg gross weight. The numbers that decide whether a route makes money.

Range and charging

The Nova runs on a 210 Ah lithium-ion battery pack at 51.2 V, giving it a claimed range of 150 km on a full charge. Charging takes around 4 hours from empty using the bundled AC charger, which is a standard overnight schedule for an auto-rickshaw operator. There is no fast-charge option; the battery is mounted under the rear and carries a 3-year battery and charger warranty (extendable by 2 more years), so the pack cost is shielded from the daily-rental business.

Performance and payload

An 8 kW motor delivers 55 Nm of torque, enough for a 55 km/h top speed and a 12% gradeability, which covers flyover ramps and mildly inclined roads. The vehicle carries a GVW of 950 kg against a kerb weight of 515 kg, leaving roughly 435 kg of payload, comfortably above the 3-passenger rating with room for luggage. Its 330 mm ground clearance and 2145 mm wheelbase help it absorb uneven city roads, while the 2950 mm turning radius keeps U-turns and lane changes tight in traffic.

Who should buy it

The Nova suits individual auto-rickshaw drivers, small fleet owners and last-mile passenger operators who want a high-speed L5N vehicle rather than a slow low-speed e-rickshaw. The 150 km range supports a full city shift on one charge, and the all-day torque plus the 3-year battery warranty lower the operating risk that worries first-time EV buyers. Those who run in steep hilly terrain or need frequent fast charging may find the 4-hour charge and 12% gradeability limiting, but for flat, congested city routes the Nova is a low-cost, zero-emission replacement for a CNG auto.