Kuku Automotives Auto Rickshaw

The Kuku Automotives Auto Rickshaw is a low-speed electric passenger carrier (L3M class) from Kuku Automotives, priced at Rs 1.60 lakh for the 4 Seater/Electric variant. It seats a driver plus four passengers (D+4), rides on a 48 V / 120 Ah lithium-ion battery and is built for last-mile passenger runs, feeder routes and shared-auto duty in Indian cities.

Range and charging

Kuku claims a 100 km range on a full charge, which is a realistic single-shift figure for a low-speed 25 km/h vehicle doing stop-and-go city trips. A full charge from a standard domestic socket takes 7-8 hours, so it suits overnight charging at home or a depot; there is no DC fast-charge option on this L3M carrier, meaning operators should plan around one shift per day.

Performance and payload

The Auto Rickshaw is powered by a 1 hp BLDC motor with a 25 km/h top speed, an automatic transmission with a 1-forward 1-reverse gearbox and a 3x3 axle configuration. The chassis-with-cabin layout rides on 3.75-12 tyres with leaf spring suspension front and rear, drum brakes and 180 mm of ground clearance. Gross weight is 300 kg against a 190 kg kerb weight, leaving roughly 110 kg of payload capacity for passengers and luggage.

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 and single-shift charging rule it out for highway or two-shift work, and buyers should confirm Kuku's service network and battery warranty in their city before committing, as dealer coverage is thinner than Bajaj or Mahindra.