Saarthi Shavak E-Auto

The Saarthi Shavak E-Auto is an L5M-class electric passenger auto rickshaw from Saarthi (Champion Poly Plast), priced from Rs 3.60 lakh to Rs 3.64 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a fully built, 3-tyre auto rickshaw with a 656 kg gross vehicle weight, built for city passenger and last-mile commercial duty in India.

Range and charging

A 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, rated for over 2,000 charge cycles, delivers a claimed range of about 120 km on a single charge. A full charge takes 4-5 hours on the standard home charger, which suits overnight depot charging and a full day of city trips rather than mid-shift top-ups. The 60V battery architecture runs through a 200A controller.

Performance and payload

A 6.526 kW AC motor produces enough power for a top speed of 50 km/h, in line with the L5M high-speed passenger carrier class. The Shavak E-Auto carries one driver and up to four passengers in a D+4 layout, with a 1,980 mm wheelbase and a 2,600 mm x 1,300 mm x 1,750 mm body, riding on 145/70 R12 tyres with automatic transmission.

Who should buy it

The Shavak E-Auto suits individual drivers and small fleet operators moving passengers on predictable city routes with overnight charging access. The 120 km claimed range and 4-5 hour charge time are honest limits for a commercial auto; operators running long two-shift days should confirm real-world range with a dealer trial before committing.