RAP ECO Motors, a subsidiary of the renowned ARD Group with over two decades of expertise in automotive manufacturing, unveiled its groundbreaking L5 Segment Electric Three-Wheeler, E-RAJA, in passenger and cargo variants. Sri Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Hon’ble Minister for Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies, Govt. of Telangana, officiated as the Chief Guest and unveiled the “Make in India” electric autos, today at Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Khairatabad, Hyderabad.
This initiative of RAP ECO Motors is supported by The Centre for Energy Studies at ASCI, which is working towards the scale up of Telangana Mobility Valley (TMV). Spearheaded by the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, TMV is a visionary project aimed at revolutionizing the manufacturing and adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs). ASCI’s dedicated efforts align with TMV’s ambitious goals to attract investments across the EV value chain. Key focus areas include establishing state-of-the-art vehicle testing tracks, cutting-edge component testing labs, advanced product engineering and R&D units, and fostering innovation. The initiative also prioritizes the development of robust skilling programs, electrification of fleets, and strategic policy and regulatory frameworks to accelerate e-mobility adoption and infrastructure rollout.
The event was graced by Guest of Honour Sri. Rajkiran Bilolikar, Professor & Director, Centre for Energy Studies, ASCI; Mr. R. Balakrishnan, CEO, RAP ECO Motors, and envisaged by Mr. Amartya Awasthi, Asst. Professor, Centre for Energy Studies, Administrative Staff College of India. Supporting policies by the Government of Telangana, to attract investments in manufacturing of electric vehicles and related components, will help provide more jobs on one side and on the other, aid towards fleet electrification and clean mobility transition efforts, through availability of more EV models across both passenger and goods categories, says Prof. Rajkiran Bilolikar.
The state-of-the-art Electric Auto, E-RAJA was developed after an extensive R&D. The high-quality product with 100% make in India design and components, is competitively priced and backed by a robust service network across the country. The 3+1 seater E-RAJA can pace up to a maximum speed of 50 KM/H. The battery capacity of the vehicle is 8 KW / 150 AH and can be charged in 3 hours’ time. On a single charge the Auto can be used for 120 KMs to 140 KMs. The vehicle is available in 5 different colours in both the versions. The cargo version can be flexibly customised to any kind of pick-up van, for vending Ice Cream, Kulfi, Vegetables, meat products live cut and clean service, bakery products etc.
Speaking on the occasion Sri Uttam Kumar said, I am happy that Balakrishnan and RAP ECO Motors are introducing the much needed electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are the need of the hour for the state, the country and for the survival of mankind, especially we need to reduce the rampant pollution. While being a member of Parliament I was part of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and one of the focus areas was promotion of electric vehicles in the country. That way I understand the challenges like lack of charging infrastructure, problems faced by EV manufacturers and actions needed to be undertaken by central and state governments. Be it Central or State government, we need to quickly facilitate the introduction of electric vehicles. See what is happening in Delhi now, the air quality there is below liveable conditions and the situation only gets aggravated in winter season, the whole day is covered with highly polluted smog. On behalf of Government of Telangana I would like to convey our keenness to push for electric vehicles, both electric autos and electric buses and we will extend wholesome support to the manufacturers of such vehicles. Our Government’s intention is to replace as many normal buses and normal autorickshaws with electric buses and electric autorickshaws, that’s one of the primary objectives of our government. We normally presume that pollution is a problem of the future generation and we the current generation need not worry about it and go about with it in a reckless manner. But now we are realising that it is on to us now, in our time, in our generation, our cities are gradually becoming unliveable and we need to urgently push for replacing conventional polluting vehicles with electric vehicles. In that context Balakrishnan of RAP ECO Motors has come up with a brilliant idea and I hope they succeed in the mission. We will do everything to support you on behalf of the Government. There is an urgent need to strengthen the charging infrastructure and that is what is limiting the consumers adopting electric vehicles. There are Central government schemes to strengthen the charging infrastructure. Come to us as an association and Government of Telangana will address the challenges your industry is facing. We will also request the Government of India to do their part. There is a need for continuous research and development as there are some teething problems with electric vehicles, some vehicles got bad name due to incidents of fire and battery replacement, but I am confident that we will find appropriate solutions to these challenges and make electric vehicles the preferred option.
The cutting-edge E-RAJA Electric Auto, a testament to innovation and extensive R&D, embodies the spirit of “Make in India.” The high-quality vehicle, crafted entirely with indigenous design and components, is competitively priced and supported by a robust nationwide service network. The 3+1 seater E-RAJA boasts a top speed of 50 km/h, powered by an 8 kW/150 Ah battery. With an impressive mileage of approximately 120 KMs per charge, it offers a practical and eco-friendly transportation solution. The battery charges fully in just 3 hours, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
Available in five vibrant colours, the E-RAJA caters to diverse customer needs in both passenger and cargo versions. The cargo model stands out for its versatility, offering customizable options for various applications such as ice cream and kulfi vending, vegetable and meat vending with live cut-and-clean service, and bakery product delivery. Its adaptability makes it the perfect partner for businesses seeking sustainable and innovative logistics solutions.
RAP ECO Motors operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cherlapally, Hyderabad, under the aegis of the esteemed ARD Group. With a production capacity exceeding 500 electric autos per month, the facility serves as a hub of innovation and precision engineering. For the past five years, this advanced unit has been producing the highly successful L3 Segment Electric Auto, RANIE, available in both passenger and cargo versions. Building on its proven expertise, the facility recently expanded its capabilities to introduce the cutting-edge L5 Segment Electric Auto, E-RAJA.
This milestone of unveiling E-RAJA underscores RAP ECO Motors’ commitment to sustainability and innovation, bolstering India’s EV ecosystem while promoting indigenous manufacturing excellence. The E-RAJA is set to redefine India’s EV landscape, while delivering performance, style, and sustainability in one dynamic package; says Mr. R. Balakrishnan.
While the E-RANIE, (L3 version) of the Auto is fully certified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) the E-RAJA (L5 version) has its certification from NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks), ensuring both the models meet the highest standards of safety and performance. As an electric vehicle, it enjoys a significant operational advantage, as it does not require formal permit to operate on roads, unlike the traditional IC engine autos. In the current regulatory landscape, many states have imposed stringent restrictions on new registrations for petrol and diesel autos, allowing them only if an existing vehicle is scrapped. E-RAJA bypasses these limitations, offering a hassle-free and eco-friendly solution for operators, while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
A standout feature introduced by RAP ECO Motors to enhance customer convenience is its innovative battery swapping facility. Through strategic partnerships with leading battery manufacturing companies, RAP ECO Motors ensures that fully charged batteries are readily available across a wide dealer network nationwide. This seamless swapping solution allows customers to replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones in minutes, at a nominal fee, thus reducing the investment by almost about 50% of the total cost of the E-Raja (L5) Autos.
This game-changing initiative of battery swapping underscores RAP ECO Motors’ commitment to affordability, efficiency, and sustainability in the EV sector, adds Mr. R. Balakrishnan.
The E-RAJA Electric Auto stands out as an exceptionally cost-effective solution for modern transportation, with per-kilometre running costs that redefine operational efficiency. At just 10% of the running cost of petrol and diesel autos, and significantly lower than LPG and CNG counterparts, the E-RAJA offers unmatched savings for operators.
The fuel cost comparison:
- Petrol/Diesel Autos: ₹5/4 per km
- LPG/CNG Autos: ₹3.50/2.50 per km
- E-Auto: ₹0.50 per km
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