This is one Japanese “auto” maker in India that you perhaps haven’t heard a lot about. Terra Motors, which has been making L3 e-rickshaws (that can travel at speeds less than 25 kmph for last mile connectivity) in India since 2014, is now launching a proper electric autorickshaw, the Kyoro+, priced at Rs 3.65 lakh on-road in Uttar Pradesh. The prices will vary in other states depending on their EV policy, whether there is a waiver on road tax and registration charges or not. UP offers a full waiver on registration and road tax for EVs.
Toru Tokushige, founder of Terra Motors, views the Indian market as a key driver of growth for the company. Terra Motors plans to manufacture 5,000 Kyoro+ electric autos a month (about 60,000 a year). It currently produces about 10,000 e-rickshaws annually from its plant in Manesar and Howrah.
Go Suzuki, managing director – India, Terra Motors, says the company is looking at setting up around 100 dealers pan-India for the Kyoro+ and sees it as an opportunity for individuals looking at providing last-mile transport services. Currently, the L5 market (electric auto market) in India is about 1.6 lakh units. The Kyoro+ will compete in a market that already has electric products from Piaggio, TVS, Omega Seiki Mobility, Mahindra and Bajaj.
What sets the Terra Kyoro+ apart from its competition? It is priced at about the same level (most electric autos range between Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh). However, it has some key differentiating factors. The Kyoro+ comes with a 2-speed gearbox which helps it manoeuver gradients of up to 22% easily, making it suitable for hilly terrain as well. And the taller gear helps it with a higher cruising speed of more than 55 kmph.
Terra claims that the Kyoro+ can accelerate to 28 kmph in about 5 seconds, making for fairly swift pick-up. It comes with an all-metal body and has doors for the passenger compartment.
The motor puts out a peak power of 8kW, and it has an 11-kWh battery pack that takes about 5 hours for a full charge or 3 hours for 80%. It has a claimed range of 200 km on a single charge and a reserve capacity of 13 km for emergencies.
It is equipped with a single-pedal, hydraulic braking system and a mechanical handbrake. It has an auxiliary battery as well and comes with an FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity for entertainment. The instrument cluster is fully digital, and it has LED lights all around, including hazard lamps and reversing lights.
The Kyoro+ has a kerb weight of 450 Kg and can carry three passengers. It comes with a 5-year, 120,000 Km warranty.
