"TI Clean Mobility Set to Launch Montra Cargo 3-Wheeler and E-Rickshaw Soon"

TI Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd (TICMPL), the electric vehicle arm of Tube Investments of India Ltd under the Murugappa Group, is gearing up to launch the cargo variant of its electric auto, Montra, and a new e-rickshaw in the coming months. This move aims to strengthen the company's foothold in the growing electric three-wheeler market, which includes both electric autos and e-rickshaws.

The company also plans to expand its portfolio further by launching an electric small commercial vehicle and an electric tractor before the end of the current fiscal year.

TI Clean Mobility has already made significant inroads in the electric three-wheeler market, particularly in southern India, where it commands about one-fourth of the market share (excluding e-rickshaws). Having sold around 6,500 units of its Montra electric passenger auto over the past year, the company is now looking to broaden its reach. It plans to expand its dealership network from 80 outlets across 65 cities to approximately 200 outlets in 150 cities within the next 5-6 months.

Currently, TI Clean Mobility sells about 750 Montra autos each month, but with the expanded dealer network, it expects to increase monthly sales to over 1,000 units. The addition of the new e-rickshaw and Montra cargo variant will further diversify its offerings.

“Our strategy is clear. We aim for pan-India coverage, focusing on markets with demand. Our group company, Cholamandalam, plays a crucial role in financing, particularly in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The e-rickshaw market is growing, and we are ready to meet that demand,” said Anurag Vohra, Chief Operating Officer of TI Clean Mobility, during a visit to the company’s Ambattur factory, where Montra vehicles are manufactured.

Vahan data shows that over 4 lakh e-rickshaws (three-wheelers with speeds below 25 km/h and motor power under 2 kW) have been registered across India this year, highlighting the sector’s rapid growth.

In addition to its upcoming product launches, the company recently concluded its first-ever Montra Electric Super League (MSL) at its Chennai factory. The event featured 170 riders, including women auto drivers, from across India competing in teams to cover the most kilometers. The MSL aimed to promote electric vehicle adoption in the three-wheeler community and address concerns like range anxiety through top-up charging during the event.

HBL