Electric 2 Wheelers & 3 Wheelers: Transforming India’s Urban Mobility

Electric 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers have emerged as game-changers in the Indian mobility landscape. With an increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable mobility, electric vehicles are gaining traction in India with market penetrations in the tune of 5.5% in 2-Wheeler segment and 51% in the 3-Wheeler segment (Vahan Vehicle Registration April 2023 figures). The adoption of electric vehicles in India is primarily driven by the government’s push to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In this blog, we will explore the role of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in transforming India’s urban mobility landscape.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in India, with a specific focus on two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles, including the FAME scheme and state-level policies. In this blog, we will explore the role of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in transforming India’s urban mobility landscape.

Electric Two-wheelers:

Electric two-wheelers have gained significant popularity in India, especially in urban areas. In recent years, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote the adoption of electric two-wheelers. For instance, under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, the government provides incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. Additionally, many states in India, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have introduced their own policies to promote the use of electric two-wheelers.

One of the major advantages of electric two-wheelers is that they are affordable and accessible to a large section of the population. The cost of ownership of electric two-wheelers is significantly lower than that of petrol-powered two-wheelers. To provide a contrast, a 125-cc petrol scooter spends about 2 Rupees per km, while an electric Scooter with similar performance requires only 0.25 Rupees.  Moreover, electric two-wheelers are more efficient and have a longer lifespan than their petrol counterparts.

Electric two-wheelers are also environmentally friendly as they do not emit any harmful pollutants. In a country like India, where air pollution is a major problem, the adoption of electric two-wheelers can have a significant impact on reducing air pollution.

Another advantage of electric two-wheelers is that they are easier to manoeuvre and park in congested urban areas. They are also quieter and produce less noise pollution than petrol-powered two-wheelers.

Electric Three-wheelers:

Electric three-wheelers are also gaining popularity in India, especially in the last-mile connectivity segment. They are widely used for short-distance transportation, such as delivery of goods and people. Electric three-wheelers are considered a viable alternative to petrol-powered three-wheelers as they are cheaper to operate and maintain.

The Indian government has also launched several initiatives to promote the adoption of electric three-wheelers. For instance, under the FAME scheme, the government provides incentives for the purchase of electric three-wheelers. Additionally, many state governments, including Delhi and Karnataka, have introduced their own policies to promote the use of electric three-wheelers.

Electric three-wheelers have several advantages over petrol-powered three-wheelers. They are cheaper to operate as they have lower running costs and require less maintenance. Additionally, electric three-wheelers are more environmentally friendly as they do not emit any harmful pollutants.

Another advantage of electric three-wheelers is that they are quieter than petrol-powered three-wheelers. This can have a significant impact on reducing noise pollution in urban areas.

Role of Electric Two-wheelers and Three-wheelers in Transforming India’s Urban Mobility Landscape:

Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers have the potential to play a significant role in transforming India’s urban mobility landscape. They can help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution in cities. Moreover, they can provide an affordable and accessible means of transportation for a large section of the population.

Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are ideal for short-distance travel, which is the primary mode of transportation in urban areas. They can provide a viable alternative to petrol-powered two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which are the primary source of air pollution in cities.

Moreover, electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers can help reduce traffic congestion in cities. They are easier to maneuver and park in congested urban areas. This can help reduce the time spent in traffic and improve the overall efficiency of urban transportation.

Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers can also help reduce the cost of transportation for the masses. They are cheaper to operate and maintain than fossil-fuel vehicles.