3-Wheeler Manufacturer Piaggio Enters EV Industry, Launches Ape e-Xtra FX Segment

The pioneer of 3-wheeler goods transportation in India, Piaggio Vehicles has entered the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Piaggio has launched a new e-cargo segment, Ape’ e-Xtra FX. The company has launched this FX range (fixed battery) of EVs in both the cargo and passenger segments, as it has also launched the 2021 version of its passenger e-three wheeler, Ape e-City FX.

Interestingly, the new Ape’ e-Xtra FX comes with a 48V Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 8 kWh and a peak power of 9.55 kW @ 3500 rpm. The e-cargo can give a top speed of 45 km/h with a full charge time of 3 hours, 45 mins. The incredibly advanced e-cargo Ape’ e-Xtra FX comes at an introductory price of Rs 3.12 lakh after showroom, post Fame-II subsidy benefit. 

Furthermore, the passenger electric 3-wheeler, Ape e-City FX is priced at Rs. 2.83 lakh after showroom, post Fame-II subsidy benefit. It comes with a 7.5 kWh of Lithium-ion battery with a similar charging time of 3 hours, 45 mins. It gives a top speed of 45 km/h with a peak power of 5.44 kW @ 3500 rpm.

Additionally, both the new vehicles come with some common features like blue vision headlamps, automatic transmission, hill hold assist, regenerative braking, multi-information instrument cluster, and boost mode. Also, the vehicles are covered with a 3 year/1-lakh kilometer “super warranty”.

Piaggio Commercial Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) Chairman and Managing Director, Diego Graffi, announced at the launch. “Post the launch of Ape’ e-City FX with swappable technology in 2019, we are now introducing the fixed battery technology solutions to serve the varied needs of customers. This new FX range is a step in realizing Piaggio’s vision which aligns with the government’s initiatives for mass adoption of EVs in India,” stated Graffi.

Speaking of the new launches, the EVP, and head of commercial vehicle business of Piaggio Vehicles, Saju Nair 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.”

Consequently, e-cargo three-wheeler will also cater to a host of other segments as well like e-commerce, gas cylinders, mineral water bottles, and vegetables (transport) besides FMCG, the company said, claiming that with a running cost of less than 50 paise, it offers last-mile goods movement at the most economical cost. 

“The Piaggio Ape’ Electrik FX range launch is a part of our strategic initiative to provide customers with unique solutions and a wider range to choose from based on specific applications,” said Malind Kapur, Senior Vice President at Piaggio Vehicles.