In northern India’s Lucknow, the transition to electric autorickshaws is gaining momentum, signaling a significant shift in urban transportation and environmental impact. For drivers like Raghunandan Yadav, who begins his day at 6 a.m. by accepting passenger requests through ride-hailing apps, the transition to electric vehicles offers both economic and environmental benefits. Yadav drives a Mahindra Treo, an electric three-wheeler powered by a battery charged overnight with a standard home socket. He noted passengers’ preference for the quieter, pollution-free rides.
Autorickshaws—commonly known as tuk-tuks—have long been a staple of urban mobility across Asia. Traditionally running on petrol or compressed natural gas, these three-wheelers contribute significantly to air pollution, accounting for nearly half of the smog in India’s megacities. With two- and three-wheelers making up more than 75% of vehicles on Indian roads, their electrification represents a major environmental milestone.
The pace of adoption is accelerating rapidly. According to the International Energy Agency, electric models accounted for 68% of new three-wheeler sales in India last year, a marked rise from 20% in 2020. Delhi plans to prohibit the sale of autorickshaws powered by petrol, diesel, or compressed natural gas starting in January, underscoring regulatory support for this transition.
Mahindra, India’s largest manufacturer of electric autorickshaws, has played a critical role in this shift. The company’s electric three-wheeler division, launched three years ago, has already put 400,000 vehicles on the road and aims to reach one million by 2031. Suman Mishra, chief executive of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, emphasized the economic viability of the technology, noting that sustainability and affordability can coexist, driving rapid market adoption.
The company is also expanding its reach beyond India, exporting electric vehicles to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Philippines, with plans to enter Indonesia, Thailand, Africa, and Brazil. In Lucknow, electric autorickshaws now account for approximately 80% of the fleet. At a Mahindra dealership in the city, sales have surged from 20-25 vehicles per month five years ago to around 800 per month today.
Drivers like Shushma Verma, who switched to an electric autorickshaw three years ago, illustrate the socioeconomic impact of this shift. With rising fuel costs—partly due to geopolitical tensions such as the war in Iran—electric vehicles offer a more affordable alternative. Verma reported daily charging costs of about 80 rupees (62 pence) compared to around £2.71 for petrol, resulting in substantial savings. She earns roughly £390 per month, more than double her previous income, enabling investments in additional vehicles and property.
The environmental benefits are considerable. Mahindra estimates its electric vehicles have prevented approximately 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to planting 8.3 million trees. This progress is critical given India’s severe air pollution crisis, which contributes to over two million premature deaths annually. Medical professionals warn that polluted air has heightened lung cancer risks, describing it as a “breather’s disease.” In cities like Lucknow, pollution levels can reach six times those of London, visibly affecting daily life.
The shift to electric autorickshaws in India exemplifies a convergence of environmental innovation, economic opportunity, and urban transformation—one that may serve as a model for similar cities across Asia and beyond.