Electric Three-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheeler : Which is a Better Choice?
The world is moving towards sustainable transport solutions, with EVs becoming a huge force in the commercial sector. Most business owners are prompted to venture into electric options due to the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices. Three wheelers play a vital role in last-mile delivery and intra-city short-distance cargo transportation. In this blog, we are going to make a comparison between electric three-wheeler vs diesel and petrol three-wheeler models to help you make a decision.
The Growing Demand for Electric Three-Wheelers
Growing demand for eco-friendly transport has propelled commercial vehicle manufacturers in India to focus increasingly on electric vehicles. Electric cargo three-wheelers are rapidly penetrating the sector, overcoming previous resistance from businesses. They are more cost-effective to operate and require less maintenance compared to traditional diesel and petrol three-wheelers. This offers a significant advantage given the high costs associated with conventional fuel.
But then, how do these electric vehicles compare to traditional petrol and diesel models? Let’s compare electric three-wheeler vs diesel three-wheeler and compare electric three-wheeler vs petrol three-wheeler to understand the differences better.
Electric Three-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheeler : Initial Purchase Cost
In terms of the first cost of purchase, petrol three-wheelers are much more economical than diesel or electric ones. The prices for diesel models are slightly higher than the former but still cheap compared to electric vehicles. However, the long-term benefits should be considered when the issue of cost is being weighed.
For instance, the initial charge for electric cargo three-wheelers may be quite high. However, their total ownership costs are generally lower compared to petrol or diesel-fueled vehicles. This is because they require much less maintenance and fueling.
Example: The Piaggio Ape e-Xtra FX Max, a three-wheeled electric cargo vehicle, is priced at around Rs 3.12 lakh ex-showroom. On the other hand, the price of a diesel vehicle, such as the Mahindra Alfa Plus, would come to around Rs 2.45 lakh ex-showroom. When it comes to an upfront purchase, the diesel model seems cheaper. However, the more pocket-friendly operations in the long run are always the electric three-wheeler.
Electric 3-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol 3-Wheeler : Maintenance Costs
Petrol and diesel vehicles always require heavy maintenance because of their complex engines, frequent oil changes, and clutch replacements. Diesel models have an enormous maintenance cost due to the fuel control emission system.
In contrast, these electric cargo three-wheelers have fewer moving parts and experience no breakdowns, which can translate to absolutely minimal repair and maintenance costs. This is much more cost-saving and always way better for any business in the long haul.
Example: The maintenance costs for a diesel 3-wheeler are as high as Rs 30,000 in three years, which will include problems such as the brakes, clutch, engine, and gearbox. Now, for an electric three-wheeler the maintenance cost comes to about Rs 3,000 for three years and does not include the cost of tyres.
Electric Three-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheeler : Government Incentives
The electric vehicle schemes include subsidies for vehicle cost, manufacturing, tax benefits, and low GST rates on vehicles released with and by the government, none of which are provided to diesel-based and petrol-based vehicles.
Example: Some states offer a subsidy of up to Rs. 30,000, which lowers the ownership cost of electric cargo three-wheelers. In fact, many cities offer EVs other freebies, like free parking or low toll charges, reducing operating costs.
Electric 3-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol 3-Wheeler : Mileage & Operating Costs
Mileage and operating costs are the two major factors for commercial vehicles. We need to compare the operating costs of three-wheelers with those of electric, diesel, or petrol models.
Petrol Three Wheelers: Petrol-driven vehicles have the highest running cost of any vehicle mainly because of the more expensive fuel and comparatively lower mileage. For instance, a petrol-driven three-wheeler running 1,500 km per month would cost Rs 97,200 per annum at a petrol price of Rs 100 per litre and an average mileage of 25 km/litre.
Diesel Three Wheelers: Diesel-operated three-wheelers offer improved fuel efficiency at a cost-effective fuel price. For a diesel-run vehicle, assume the cost is Rs 90 per litre. With an average efficiency of 35 km per litre, this is the expense for covering the same distance. Thus, the cost per year will be Rs 54,000.
Electric Three Wheelers: The running costs of an electric cargo three-wheeler are much more pocket-friendly. For example, an electric vehicle with a similar monthly usage of 1,500 km would cost just Rs 10,800 per year, assuming a charging cost of Rs 8 per kWh.
Electric Three-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheeler : Comparing Performance
Performance is equally important for businesses, more so in the commercial sector, as the vehicles need to deliver high torque and power to their applications.
Petrol Three-Wheelers: These engines have always been known to provide fast acceleration and lack torque, which makes them unfit for the application of heavy loads.
Diesel Three-Wheelers: Diesel three-wheelers are good in applications requiring high torque, making them perfect for handling heavy cargo. However, they tend to be noisier and emit very high pollution emissions.
Electric Cargo Three-Wheelers: Electric three-wheelers offer instant torque, which makes them very good at urban locations for delivery missions that require quick acceleration. While they may have lower top speeds than diesel or petrol vehicles, their performance is sufficient for last-mile delivery.
Electric 3-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol 3-Wheeler : Range & Charging Time
One of the issues that most businesses have regarding electric vehicles is their range. While electric three-wheelers have more mileage, much work is needed to make them comparable to petrol and diesel vehicles.
Electric Three Wheelers: Electric 3-wheelers in India, like the OSM Vicktor, cover 250 km and are being largely adopted in urban areas. They can meet most of the daily operation needs, but their long recharge time tends to cancel this advantage of the longer range.
Petrol and Diesel Three Wheelers: Petrol and diesel vehicles can be refuelled on the go and be back on the road in a few minutes. Diesel vehicles generally have a longer range of travel on a single tank, so they are preferable on longer trips.
Environmental Impact
With governments planning greener transport solutions all over the world, vehicle traffic is emerging as one major impact on the environment.
Electric Cargo Three-Wheelers: 3-wheelers produce no tailpipe emissions and are eco-friendly. This is especially important for rapidly developing urban areas where air quality is severely impacted.
Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheelers: These are diesel and petrol-run vehicles. Their gas emissions are among the toxins and elements contributing to the rapid increase of global climate change. Moreover, they have more NOx and particulate matter, which is dangerous for people’s health.
Which Is The Best?
Choosing between an Electric 3-Wheeler Vs Diesel and Petrol Three-Wheeler model will depend on your business needs. If running cost, low maintenance, and eco-friendliness are major striking points, then a company has to go in for an electric cargo three-wheeler. However, if there is a business related to long-distance travel with heavy cargo, then diesel or petrol models could still be a better buy. Whatever your decision is, the electric cargo three-wheeler has in store for last-mile delivery in the future.
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