Om Balajee Automobile L5 Auto

The Om Balajee Automobile L5 Auto is an electric auto-rickshaw (L3M low-speed passenger carrier) from Om Balajee Automobile, priced at around Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Built as a fully built three-wheeler with a rectangular chassis and a day cabin, it seats the driver plus three passengers (D+3) and is aimed at owner-drivers and small fleets running short intra-city passenger routes.

Range and charging

A 120 Ah lithium-ion battery pack on a 48 V electrical system gives the L5 Auto a claimed range of 120 km on a single charge. Recharging the pack takes about 7 to 8 hours on a standard home socket, which suits overnight top-ups rather than quick turnarounds. With a top speed of 22.98 km/h, it is a genuine low-speed carrier designed for dense city traffic and short hops, not highway duty.

Performance and payload

A 1 hp electric motor drives the L5 Auto through an automatic gearbox with one forward and one reverse gear. It runs within a 673 kg gross vehicle weight with a 390 kg kerb weight, leaving a payload of about 283 kg. The compact body measures 2760 mm long, 982 mm wide and 1800 mm high, with a 2500 mm wheelbase and 330 mm ground clearance for rough market lanes. High-performance drum brakes all round, a telescopic front suspension with hydraulic spring, a leaf-spring rear suspension, and 90-90-12 tubeless tyres on all three wheels keep the layout simple and serviceable.

Who should buy it

The L5 Auto suits auto-rickshaw drivers who run a fixed short city loop, where the 120 km range and 7-8 hour charge are honest daily limits. Om Balajee Automobile offers it in a single 3 Seater/Electric variant, and buyers should confirm local dealer and service coverage before committing, as the brand's network is far thinner than Bajaj or Mahindra.