Piaggio Ape E City

The Piaggio Ape E City is a fully electric three-wheeler passenger carrier (L5M, high speed passenger carrier) from Piaggio Vehicles, priced from Rs 2.89 lakh. Built on a chassis with cabin layout and a soft top fully built body, this three-wheeler on a 1,920 mm wheelbase seats a driver and three passengers (D+3) within a 689 kg gross vehicle weight and a 389 kg kerb weight, leaving around 300 kg for passengers and luggage. It targets city auto owners and small operators moving people on short, predictable routes.

Range and charging

A 4.5 kWh battery pack on a 48V architecture delivers a claimed range of 110 km on a full charge. A full charge takes about 3 hours 45 minutes, which fits an overnight top-up between working days. The 3-Seater/1920/Electric/Swappable variant name signals a swappable battery configuration, so operators on back-to-back shifts can exchange the pack instead of waiting for a full recharge.

Performance and load

A 7.3 hp electric motor produces 29 Nm of torque, taking the Ape E City to a top speed of 45 km/h with 19 per cent gradeability and a 4,200 mm turning radius for tight city streets. A constant mesh 2-stage reduction transmission with integrated differential, hydraulically actuated drum brakes, hill hold assist and 200 mm ground clearance round out the package. The 689 kg gross weight against a 389 kg kerb weight leaves roughly 300 kg of effective load for passengers and luggage.

Who should buy it

The Ape E City suits city auto operators and small fleet owners whose daily pattern is short passenger hops with access to charging between trips. At a from price of Rs 2.89 lakh it undercuts petrol three-wheelers on running cost, but buyers should expect a basic cabin: no AC, handle bar steering, and seat belts not offered as standard. Operators planning long duty cycles should confirm the swappable battery option with their dealer before committing.