The EPOD, a fully electric passenger three-wheeler in the L5 class, was unveiled by Lohia Auto’s recently established Youdha brand. It costs ₹2.79 lakh ex-factory. The product launch, which is targeted at urban and semi-urban regions, is the company’s first foray into the passenger EV market outside of e-rickshaws.
A 6 kW electric motor that produces 50 Nm of torque and an 11.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery power the EPOD. With two City and Boost driving modes, a 300 mm water-wading capability, and a certified range of 227 km per charge, it is adaptable to a variety of Indian road and weather situations.
Made in a plant that can produce 100,000 units a year in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, the EPOD is first being introduced in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, states that were selected due to their high three-wheeler usage and rapid EV adoption. There will be a gradual nationwide expansion.
Youdha wants to take advantage of government EV incentives, the need for last-mile transportation, and growing gasoline prices. With yearly sales approaching 700,000 units as of 2024—a 20 per cent rise year over year—India continues to be the largest market for electric three-wheelers worldwide, primarily due to encouraging programmes like PM E-DRIVE.
Speaking at the launch, CEO Ayush Lohia stated that the company’s goal is to generate 1,000 crore in total income from its EV portfolio by 2030. Within two years, Youdha plans to expand into two-wheelers under a different brand after launching wide-body vehicles that can accommodate six passengers and experimenting with electric cargo models.
With its warrior-inspired emblem and tagline, the Youdha brand, which builds on Lohia Auto’s tradition in electric mobility and empowers drivers, aims to appeal to mobility entrepreneurs’ aspirations as well as their financial viability. The launch of EPOD marks a more extensive transition away from conventional e-rickshaws and towards a full-fledged commercial EV ecosystem.
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