E-Ashwa E Auto

The E-Ashwa E Auto is a low-speed electric auto-rickshaw (L3M passenger carrier) from E-Ashwa Automotive, priced from about Rs 2.20 lakh on-road. It seats the driver plus four passengers (D+4), carries a 380 kg payload on a 1,200 kg gross weight, and is aimed at last-mile passenger runs, feeder routes and city shuttle work where a full-size e-rickshaw is more than enough.

Range and charging

E-Ashwa claims an 80-90 km range on a full charge from the 155 Ah / 48V lithium-ion battery (about 7.4 kWh). That is realistic for a low-speed 25 km/h vehicle doing short hop-and-drop duty in crowded streets. A full charge from a standard domestic socket takes 5-6 hours, which suits overnight charging after a day's shift; there is no fast-charge option, so operators should treat the E-Auto as a one-full-shift vehicle.

Performance and payload

The E-Auto is powered by a 900-1000 W high-power motor (about 1 hp rated) with a top speed of 25 km/h, an automatic transmission with a 1-forward 1-reverse gearbox and a 12 per cent gradeability. The chassis-with-cabin layout rides on three wheels with disc brakes, 43mm hydraulic front suspension and coil-spring rear, and 90x90x12 tyres, with 175 mm of ground clearance. The 380 kg payload rating and D+4 seating make it a genuinely practical urban passenger carrier rather than a toy conversion.

Who should buy it

First-time e-rickshaw owners, fleet operators running feeder or shared last-mile routes, and small passenger-transport businesses that want a low purchase price and negligible running cost. The low top speed rules it out for highway work, and the 5-6 hour charge time means planning around a single daily shift. Buyers should confirm E-Ashwa's service network and battery warranty in their city before committing, as the brand's dealer coverage is thinner than Bajaj or Mahindra's.