After four months of work, a fleet of 200 Bengaluru autorickshaws has been switched from petrol to electric, racking up over 1.5 million kilometres on the road and completing more than 25,000 charging sessions. The numbers speak louder than any glossy brochure: that mileage shows the batteries can endure the daily grind of city traffic.
The retrofit model keeps the familiar chassis and maintenance chain intact, meaning drivers can keep their existing service contracts and spare‑part supply lines. That continuity translates to lower upfront cost compared to buying a brand‑new electric rickshaw, which can run up to ₹1.5 lakh for a basic model.
For context, the new electric rickshaws on the market today—like those from Tata and Mahindra—carry a price tag of ₹1.2–₹1.5 lakh and claim a range of 60–80 km per charge. The Exponent retrofit, on the other hand, attaches a battery that can deliver a similar range but at a fraction of the cost, because it re‑uses the existing diesel engine’s body and drivetrain.
India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries has earmarked subsidies for retrofitting older three‑wheelers, and Exponent’s pilot aligns perfectly with that policy. The company has already secured a 20 % share of Bengaluru’s electric three‑wheeler market, a figure that signals strong acceptance among operators.
Looking ahead, Exponent plans to roll out commercial retrofits across Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata by the end of 2027. The rollout will involve the same OTO platform that streamlined the Bengaluru pilot, allowing for quick, on‑site conversions.
For buyers, the takeaway is simple: if you run an autorickshaw fleet, a retrofit gives you instant electrification, proven mileage, and a lower entry barrier. Keep an eye on Exponent’s city‑wide launch dates—Bengaluru’s success is just the beginning.