Neelam E-auto

The Neelam E-auto is a fully electric, low-speed passenger auto-rickshaw built for last-mile city commuting. Priced at ₹1.25 Lakh (ex-showroom, uniform across India) in its single 6 seater/electric variant, it is an L3M (Low Speed Passenger Carrier) that carries a driver plus four passengers on a chassis-with-cabin platform. A 900 W motor drives three wheels with drum brakes and a compact 2780 mm body, so it targets budget-conscious operators running feeder routes, market-to-home trips and short commercial hauls.

Range and charging

The E-auto is rated for 80-100 km on a full charge from its 110 Ah / 48 V lithium-ion battery pack (about 5.3 kWh). A full recharge takes 6-8 hours from a standard socket, which suits overnight charging at home or a depot. There is no DC fast-charging provision on this low-speed platform, so charging is best planned as a daily overnight routine rather than an en-route top-up.

Performance and payload

Top speed is capped at 25 km/h, typical for an L3M low-speed carrier, with an automatic transmission offering one forward and one reverse gear. Payload is rated at 400 kg on a 360 kg gross vehicle weight, helped by telescopic front shockers, a leaf-spring rear suspension and 90 x 90 x 12 tyres. The day cabin and fully built body keep the layout simple and serviceable, and a digital driver information display comes standard.

Who should buy it

The E-auto suits first-time EV operators and small fleets running predictable city routes where trip lengths and speed limits are modest. At ₹1.25 Lakh with a 400 kg payload it is a low-cost entry into electric passenger mobility, but the 25 km/h cap and overnight-only charging mean it is not for highway or long-range duty.