In India, where auto-rickshaws are a vital part of public transport, the shift to e-rickshaws is becoming essential. While many companies have introduced their electric models, the high purchase price makes it difficult for many drivers to afford a new electric rickshaw.

As a solution, retrofitting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) rickshaws has emerged as a practical option. These upgraded vehicles maintain the original seating capacity and design while offering a greener alternative that demands less upkeep and significantly reduces running costs compared to petrol-powered models.

Numerous companies are now providing high-quality retrofit kits for three-wheelers at affordable prices, allowing you to save money while enjoying the benefits of an electric rickshaw.

In this article, we will explore the top 5 electric rickshaw conversion kits with its price available in India. Before diving into the details, let’s briefly look at the current approximate costs of electric rickshaw conversions.

Electric Rickshaw Conversion Cost in India?

Depending on the model, a new ICE autorickshaw costs around Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 lakh.

And converting an existing rickshaw into an electric rickshaw barely costs one-fifth of its price. Whereas a new electric rickshaw costs about 3.5 lakhs. Depending on certain factors, an electric rickshaw can save 40% to 50% of its running costs.

Hence the cost of the kit can be recovered by the owners in about 12-15 months. Also upgrading the existing ICE 3-wheeler to an electric 3-wheeler can be done in no time.

Top 5 Electric Rickshaw Conversion Kits with Price

1. RAC Energy RxEV300 Electric Propulsion Kit

RACEnergy is a Hyderabad-based electric vehicle start-up company, that makes retrofitting kits for auto rickshaws.

It took approximately two years for the company to develop and test this conversion kit that can retrofit into a conventional three-wheeler rickshaw and convert it into an E-rickshaw.

The cost of this conversion kit is approximately Rs. 50,000. Due to its competitive cost, this model stands out from others.

This model is being operated on a battery-swapping model. Thus, the price of the battery is not included. The driver pays only for the amount of energy used at the battery swapping station. This conversion kit is running successfully in Hyderabad.

The biggest advantage of battery swapping is that the rickshaw driver does not have to worry about managing the battery. The battery would be owned by the company only and the driver uses it as a service. Payment only for the amount of energy used is needed.

Also, the absence of a gearbox and clutch helps the driver to drive flawlessly and pick up more rides than they would have earlier.

This Electric Rickshaw Conversion kit comes with a battery monitoring display, an efficiency meter, a fully digital instrumental cluster, and a smart alert. 

Specifications 

Motor Capacity	5000
Range	80-100km
Top speed	45Kmph
Transmission	Automatic
Peak power	6900W
Torque	45Nm
Price	Rs 50,000

2. Volta Passenger Retro 

Volta Automotive India Pvt Ltd. Is a company that manufactures electric vehicles as well as retrofitting models.

These retrofitting models convert existing IC engine-based rickshaws into electric rickshaws. The company provides two retrofitting models one is in the 100km range and the other is in the 150km range.

The only difference is the size of the battery.

The kit has an optional GPS/GPRS system and a safety button with SMS.

Specifications

Top Speed	50 Kmph
Battery	5.4 kWh
Battery type	LifePo4
Battery capacity	90-100km per single charge
Battery life	2000 cycles
Power consumption per charge	5.1 kWh units
Warranty	12 months
Display	Digital LCD meter

 

Volta E-Rickshaw Conversion Kit Price Range 

• For 100 km – Approx. 1,80,000 including GST
• For 150 km – Approx. 2,45,000 including GST

3. Geekay 48V 750W BLDC Chain Type E- Rickshaw Conversion Kit

4. Gogoa1 ARAI 48/60/72V 3200W high-efficient regenerative BLDC Traction Motor Kit

Price & Specifications

Price	Rs 71,000 +GST
Power output	4000W (peak 5kW) / 48V / 60V / 72 V
Current rating	<=65A (max. 100A)
Speed rating (rpm)	3200
Max speed(rpm)	5000
Current without load	<=3A
Efficiency	>=88%
Weight	15 Kg

 

5. Envirosmart’s Retro Smart Electric Three-Wheeler Conversion Kit 

Retrosmart is an Electric Conversion Kit for Three Wheeler Passenger and Three Wheeler Cargo Autos.

Retrosmart Electric Three-Wheeler Conversion Kit is sold by a Telangana-based Envirosmart company.

The company continuously strives for better safety standards in innovation, new products, technology advancement, and better usage of existing technology, while supporting activities to convert existing gasoline vehicles to EVs that are currently carried out on an individual basis.

The Retrosmart Kit is ARAI certified. 

The Retrosmart Kit comprises to replace Engine and Gear Box of Petrol / LPG / CNG and Diesel vehicles / Auto Rickshaws.

The kit consists of the following parts :

1. 60V – 3000 Watts PMSM Motor & Gear Box
2. Controller, 60V – 100Ah Lithium Ion Battery
3. Battery Charge Level Indicator & Battery Charger
4. Throttle Body, DC-DC Converter along with Metal Brackets

Specifications

Specifications	Details