Lohia Auto Introduces Electric Three Wheeler Comfort E-Auto At The Auto Expo 2018

Noida-headquartered Lohia Auto has launched a new product from its electric vehicle range – an electric three wheeler called Comfort E-Auto – at the Auto Expo 2018.

The company has reportedly set the price of Comfort E-Auto at $2315 (INR 1.49 Lakhs).

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the electric three wheeler vehicle, which offers central locking and GPS, boasts a mileage of 80 km while running at speeds of up to 30 km per hour.

Ayush Lohia, CEO of Lohia Auto, told ET, “After a significant success in keeping the electric vehicle moment alive, we are now geared up to take the brand to the next pedestal by adding more value to the products in terms of speed, power and reach.”

Lohia Auto has showcased six electric vehicles at the Auto Expo 2018, which is currently being held in Greater Noida.

The company, which is a part of Lohia Group, also launched its diesel-driven three-wheeler loader Humsafar 2000 and a passenger vehicle Humsafar DLX at prices of $3030 (INR 1.95 Lakhs) and $2952 (INR 1.90 Lakhs) respectively.

Other Important Developments From Auto Expo 2018

With EVs being the central theme at Auto Expo 2018, a number of other automotive companies also showcased their electric vehicle models at the show. India’s first EV manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra, for instance, unveiled its range of electric vehicles, which includes Treo, a lithium-ion electric three wheeler, and e-COSMO, a bus.

It also showcased a new electric vehicle drivetrain MESMA (Mahindra Electric Scalable Modular Architecture) and Atom, a last-mile mobility vehicle. Furthermore, its EV range also included the electric version of its compact SUV e-KUV100 and the e2o NXT, an upgraded version of its existing electric hatchback e2oPlus.

Tata Motors, on the other hand, presented its range of six electric vehicles at the Auto Expo. This included an electric version of its compact sedan Tigor, a fully electric bus and an EV version of its first race car RaceMo, among others. The company also introduced two new vehicular architecture platforms for passenger vehicles.

Ashok Leyland launched its first electric bus, Circuit S, which offers seating facility for around 25 to 35 people. It is expected to be available in next three to six months. Reportedly, the company has so far invested $15.7 Mn (INR 100 Cr) in its electric vehicle business.

Similarly, Maruti Suzuki unveiled the first design concept of e-Survivor. The company is expected to launch its first EV in India by 2020. As per Inc42 sources, Maruti Suzuki also showcased a working model of Suzuki’s next-generation hybrid technology at the auto show.

French car manufacturer Renault showcased its mini electric car ZOE and the TREZOR, a two-seater electric supercar.

Sumit Sawhney, MD and CEO of Renault’s Indian unit, said “We have seen a shift towards better design and technology and globally the shift is towards electric autonomous and connected cars. Transformation towards electric vehicles (EVs) is inevitable in India. [We are] awaiting a government policy on research and development before taking a long-term strategic decision.”

The same idea was reiterated by Honda Honda Cars India (HCIL) President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno. He reportedly said, “In order to stitch up a strategy (for EV segment), we are requesting to have a roadmap regarding plans for charging stations. Without a clear policy, it will be difficult to select models.”

In the Union Budget 2018, the government allotted $40.5 Mn towards the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. With the automotive industry clamouring for better EV infrastructure in the country, we will have to see how well the allocated funds are utilised to address these woes.

[The development was reported by ET]