Kinetic Safar Smart

The Kinetic Safar Smart is an electric auto-rickshaw built for last-mile passenger transport in Indian cities and towns. It is priced from around Rs 1.53 lakh (ex-showroom) and targets owners and small fleets who want the low running cost of an EV without moving up to a larger, costlier L5 auto. With a 1.2 kW BLDC motor and a 4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Safar Smart is aimed squarely at daily city duty.

Range and charging

The Safar Smart claims a range of about 120 km on a single charge under standard conditions, with the lithium-ion pack replenished in roughly 3 hours. A 140 Ah lead-acid battery is offered as a cheaper alternative for buyers who want to reduce the upfront price and are prepared for regular battery maintenance. On a full day of stop-start city running you will typically charge overnight and be ready for the next morning's first trip.

Performance and payload

The 1.2 kW BLDC motor keeps the Safar Smart to a top speed of around 25 km/h, which is standard for this L3 segment. The three-wheeler seats the driver plus 4 passengers (D+4), with a gross vehicle weight of 689 kg and a rated payload of 380 kg. A wheelbase of 2130 mm, ground clearance of 220 mm, and an overall length of 2785 mm help it negotiate crowded lanes and rough patches. Mechanical drum brakes and a handle-bar steering setup keep the layout simple and easy to service.

Who should buy it

The Safar Smart suits owner-drivers who run fixed commuter routes, school shuttles, or feeder trips in and around tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Its modest speed and load rating mean it is a people mover first, not a cargo hauler. Buyers who compare it against a conventional petrol auto will find the electricity bill significantly lower per kilometre, at the cost of planning around a 3-hour recharge. A standard 3-year warranty and Kinetic's dealer and service reach across North India make it a reasonable first electric auto for route owners switching from CNG or diesel.