Sniper Electric L3 Passenger

The Sniper Electric L3 Passenger is a low-speed electric auto-rickshaw (L3M passenger carrier) from Sniper Electric, priced from Rs 1.89 lakh for the 4 Seater/Electric variant. It seats the driver plus four passengers (D+4), runs on a 48 V battery system, and is aimed at last-mile passenger runs, feeder routes and city shuttle work where a compact, low-cost electric carrier is the right fit.

Range and charging

Sniper Electric claims a 100-120 km range on a full charge from the 30 Ah lithium-ion battery pack (about 1.44 kWh at 48 V). A full charge from a standard domestic socket takes approximately 8 hours, which suits overnight charging after a single shift; there is no fast-charge option, so operators should treat the L3 Passenger as a one-full-shift vehicle. The 48 V architecture keeps the pack and charging hardware simple and inexpensive to replace.

Performance and payload

The L3 Passenger is powered by a 1 hp motor with a top speed of 24 km/h, an automatic transmission with a 1-forward 1-reverse gearbox and a 7 per cent gradeability. It has a gross vehicle weight of 252 kg, a kerb weight of 352 kg and is rated for about 300 kg of payload. The chassis-with-cabin layout rides on three wheels with a 2,780 mm length, 990 mm width and 1,640 mm height, 125 mm of ground clearance, a 2,100 mm wheelbase and a 3,500 mm turning radius, making it easy to thread through narrow bazaar lanes. Mechanical brakes, telescopic hydraulic front and leaf-spring rear suspension handle the rest.

Who should buy it

First-time e-rickshaw owners, feeder and shared last-mile operators, and small passenger-transport businesses that want a low purchase price and negligible running cost. The 24 km/h top speed and 8-hour charge time rule it out for fast or multi-shift work, so it is best judged on short, flat city routes where its compact size and near-zero running cost are decisive. Buyers should confirm Sniper Electric's service and battery-warranty coverage in their city before committing, as the brand's dealer network is thinner than Bajaj or Mahindra's.