Electric auto rickshaws are gaining popularity in India as a sustainable and cost-effective transportation solution. Among the leading options in this segment are the Mahindra Treo Yaari and Piaggio Ape E City. Both models are recognized for their impressive performance, cleaner transportation, and lower maintenance costs, making them excellent choices for last-mile connectivity. In this blog, we will take a closer look at both the Mahindra Treo Yaari and Piaggio Ape E City, examining their features, specifications, and benefits to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Piaggio Ape E City Auto Rickshaw Overview
The Piaggio Ape E City is the most efficient and environmentally friendly auto rickshaw available in the market. It has been designed by Piaggio with the intention of giving the urban transport a cleaner alternative. The model suits congested city areas perfectly, as it minimizes the amount of emissions, hence the most sought-after auto among drivers.
Motor and Battery Capacity
The Piaggio Ape E City has a motor that is enough to give power for city transportation. It has a 4.5 KwH battery capacity, so the rickshaw will run long and be able to operate throughout the day. Furthermore, the vehicle has a torque of 29 Nm, which is good enough to accelerate quickly and ride smoothly even in heavy traffic conditions.
The transmission system of this model features Constant Mesh 2 Stage Reduction With Integrated Differential Constant, thereby enhancing the driveability and driver control.
Range and Charging
The main notable feature of the Piaggio Ape E City is the range, which can take a rickshaw up to 68 km on a single charge. Such features ensure the vehicle is reliable and may increase daily city commutes. The vehicle also has fast-charging capabilities that ensure that downtime in the driver’s day is as minimal as possible. The Lithium-Ion 48V battery makes the process of battery charging much quicker, and multiple trips can be made within a day without having to wait for long charging periods.
GVW and Payload
The Gross Vehicle Weight for the Piaggio Ape E City is 689 kg, which suits well for carrying persons as well as small payloads. It can accommodate seating of the driver plus three passengers, thus making it comfortable for short or long rides. In most transportation needs, including passengers or small deliveries, it has an adequate payload capacity for this model.
Wheelbase and Tyres
The Piaggio Ape E City has a 1920 mm wheelbase, which provides stability and weight distribution. The durable tyres include 4.0 – 8, 4, 70E at the front and rear end, which can ride comfortably on any type of road, whether it is inside the city or in rural uneven roads.
Mahindra Treo Yaari Auto Rickshaw Overview
Mahindra Treo Yaari is the game changer in the electric auto rickshaw segment that has earned a name for itself through great range coverage, low maintenance costs, and advanced features. Designed to be efficient at last-mile delivery and transportation of a bit of everything, the Treo Yaari boasts all the features that urban drivers want to thrive with lowered operational costs while unshackling optimal performance.
Battery and Motor Capacity
The Mahindra Treo Yaari is powered by a 3.69 KwH Lithium-Ion battery, which is smaller compared to the Piaggio Ape E City, but offers excellent performance. The motor produces 2.62 HP and 19 Nm of torque, making it powerful enough for city commutes while maintaining an energy-efficient operation. The clutch-free drive ensures a smooth, noise-free ride with minimal vibrations, enhancing both driver and passenger comfort.
Range and Charging
The Mahindra Treo Yaari claims an industry-leading range and is among the longest-range electric rickshaws on sale, hitting 129 km on a full charge. That increases over the range of the Piaggio Ape E City, so drivers don’t need to park up for frequent charging stops. The battery is also quick-charging-enabled. It can be fully charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
GVW and Payload Capacity
The Mahindra Treo Yaari takes as high as 4 persons and has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 680 kgs along with a kerb weight of 265 kgs. With proper suspension, it will still feel great under all conditions as rickshaw, fully packed.
Brakes, Suspension, and Safety
The Treo Yaari is provided with mechanical brakes and a parking brake to have better control over stop-and-go traffic in cities. The suspension system features helical springs with hydraulic shock absorbers that can give a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. The vehicle also has several safety features such as dual headlamps, an IP67-rated motor, and rear crash guard, making sure that the passenger and driver are safe.
Comparison Between Mahindra Treo Yaari and Piaggio Ape E City
When comparing the Mahindra Treo Yaari and Piaggio Ape E City, there are several factors to consider, such as range, battery capacity, comfort, and price.
1. Range and Performance:
– The Mahindra Treo Yaari offers a significant advantage in terms of range, with 129 km/charge compared to the Piaggio Ape E City’s 68 km/charge. If long-range is a priority, the Treo Yaari is the better option.
– Both vehicles provide adequate power for urban commuting, but the Piaggio Ape E City has a higher torque of 29 Nm, which could provide slightly better acceleration in city traffic.
2. Battery and Charging:
– While the Piaggio Ape E City has a larger 4.5 KwH battery compared to the Treo Yaari’s 3.69 KwH, the latter offers a quicker charging time of 2 hours 30 minutes, compared to the Piaggio’s standard charging time.
3. Comfort and Capacity:
– Both models are designed for driver plus three passengers, but the Mahindra Treo Yaari has a slightly higher payload capacity, making it more suitable for carrying heavier loads. It also provides superior ride comfort due to its advanced suspension system and cushioned seating.
4. Pricing:
– The Mahindra Treo Yaari is priced starting at Rs. 1.96 lakhs (ex-showroom), which makes it an affordable investment for small-scale businesses. The Piaggio Ape E City’s pricing is similarly competitive, but for businesses looking for long-range and lower operational costs, the Treo Yaari might provide better value.
Conclusion
Both the Mahindra Treo Yaari and Piaggio Ape E City are excellent electric auto rickshaws offering unique advantages. The Treo Yaari excels in range, quick charging, and overall passenger comfort, making it suitable for businesses needing longer trips and reduced charging times. On the other hand, the Piaggio Ape E City stands out with its powerful torque, durable design, and reliable performance for shorter urban commutes.