Piaggio's recently launched FX range (fixed battery) of electric vehicles. These are passenger 3 wheelers and also cargo loaders. The Ape Electric FX range (cargo) is also eligible for FAME II subsidy. They also inaugurated a unique electric vehicle experience center in Jaipur.
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The Ape E-Xtra cargo loader will cost Rs 312,137 which is ex-showroom (across India, excluding Kerala) and Ape E-City FX passenger
e-Auto will cost Rs 283,878 (across India, excluding Kerala). These prices are after FAME II subsidy benefit. Here are some features and specifications of the cargo loader
The Piaggio also offers the I-Connect telematics solution offers real-time vehicle data tracking and location monitoring. Diego Graffi, chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles said: “Ape’, a brand with a trust of more than 30 lakh happy customers is paving the way for the Indian electric revolution with the FX range of electric vehicles. The Piaggio Group has a rich heritage of developing electric products for India. After the launch of Ape’ E-City with swappable technology in 2019, we are now introducing the Fixed Battery technology solutions to serve the varied needs of customers. The new FX range is a step in realising Piaggio’s vision which aligns with the government’s initiatives for mass adoption of EVs in India.” Saju Nair, EVP and head of Commercial Vehicle Business, Piaggio India said: “We are launching the FX range after a detailed study covering the industry trends, customer aspirations and segment requirements. The FX range will cater to the needs of our customers, protect the environment and truly revolutionise the industry with the concept of ‘Ape goes Electric, India goes Electric.” Piaggio also inaugurated its one-of-its-kind electric vehicle experience center in Jaipur and Bengaluru. The EV experience center was inaugurated by Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Transport Minister of Rajasthan Govt and Vineet Joshi, Zonal head – North, Piaggio Vehicles. The Bengaluru experience centre was inaugurated by Laxman Savadi, deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Transport Minister and N Shiva Kumar, Transport Commissioner. |
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PluginIndia's Take
So after Mahindra Electric, Kinetic Green launched cargo loaders, we see another ICE vehicle maker launch electric loaders. This time Piaggio - the Italian giant, who are a large brand in India. Compared to the Treo Zor, the Ape E-Xtra cargo loader will offer more power, but the rated range is higher with the Treo Zor. The load carrying capacity is similar. The Mahindra Treo Zor costs lesser prices starting from 2.73 lakh, Rs 2.80 lakh and Rs 3.08 lakh. Both the Piaggio loader and Treo loader will have connectivity options.
The first version of Ape was in partnership with Sun Mobility and battery swapping. The next two vehicles come with fixed batteries. Maybe the customer acceptance for swapping will take time. So what Piaggio has done is beefed up battery capacity - 7.5 kWh for the passenger, and 8 kWh for the goods one. (Strange why have two battery packs with such a close range - one gets a feeling that they have kept reduced reserves for the cargo - but the battery is the same.) The motors are different though. 9.5 kW for cargo and 5.4 kW for the passenger one. So expect the cargo to have a lower range.
Incidentally, the company website makes no mention of range. Users have to come up with their own guesstimates, based on terrain and loads combinations. In the passenger swap battery vehicle the company has committed to a 68 km range with a 4.5 kWh battery. The assumption is about 66 wh/km, which is comparable to what the e2o gets when driven with a light foot. So with a 7.5 kWh battery, the fixed battery passenger vehicle should give a range of 100 km+, which is Ok for most urban drives. May require a boost around lunch time. The goods vehicle will definitely have range anxiety issues. Another problem for rural usage is going to be top speed. At 45 kmph, they will be too slow. These vehicles should work best in cities of North India, where there are not too many hill sections.
All in all more electric cargo loader choices for Indian businesses is a good thing. This will mean quieter Indian cities, as the diesel variants of these vehicles are horrendously noisy and polluting. If you own a business and move cargo, consider opting for electric variants as we have a lot of options now.
So after Mahindra Electric, Kinetic Green launched cargo loaders, we see another ICE vehicle maker launch electric loaders. This time Piaggio - the Italian giant, who are a large brand in India. Compared to the Treo Zor, the Ape E-Xtra cargo loader will offer more power, but the rated range is higher with the Treo Zor. The load carrying capacity is similar. The Mahindra Treo Zor costs lesser prices starting from 2.73 lakh, Rs 2.80 lakh and Rs 3.08 lakh. Both the Piaggio loader and Treo loader will have connectivity options.
The first version of Ape was in partnership with Sun Mobility and battery swapping. The next two vehicles come with fixed batteries. Maybe the customer acceptance for swapping will take time. So what Piaggio has done is beefed up battery capacity - 7.5 kWh for the passenger, and 8 kWh for the goods one. (Strange why have two battery packs with such a close range - one gets a feeling that they have kept reduced reserves for the cargo - but the battery is the same.) The motors are different though. 9.5 kW for cargo and 5.4 kW for the passenger one. So expect the cargo to have a lower range.
Incidentally, the company website makes no mention of range. Users have to come up with their own guesstimates, based on terrain and loads combinations. In the passenger swap battery vehicle the company has committed to a 68 km range with a 4.5 kWh battery. The assumption is about 66 wh/km, which is comparable to what the e2o gets when driven with a light foot. So with a 7.5 kWh battery, the fixed battery passenger vehicle should give a range of 100 km+, which is Ok for most urban drives. May require a boost around lunch time. The goods vehicle will definitely have range anxiety issues. Another problem for rural usage is going to be top speed. At 45 kmph, they will be too slow. These vehicles should work best in cities of North India, where there are not too many hill sections.
All in all more electric cargo loader choices for Indian businesses is a good thing. This will mean quieter Indian cities, as the diesel variants of these vehicles are horrendously noisy and polluting. If you own a business and move cargo, consider opting for electric variants as we have a lot of options now.
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