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Mahindra Treo Electric Rickshaw
The Mahindra Treo Electric is an electric rickshaw that combines sustainability and efficiency. It has a tonne of premium features and is constructed with cutting-edge mobility technologies. It performs well and is incredibly strong and resilient.
Price
Mahindra Treo is priced between Rs. 2.79 and Rs. 3.02 Lakh.
Motor and Battery
The Mahindra Treo has a robust motor powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery. The battery of the vehicle can quickly charge in 3 hours 50 min.
The Mahindra Treo e rickshaw is powered by a 7.37 kWh motor. It generates a high power of 8 kW and a torque of 42 Nm.The motor of provides high performance.
Range and Specs
Mahindra Treo has a driving range of 130 km per charge. The top speed of this electric rickshaw is 55 km per hour. It has a gradeability of 12.7% which is effective for city rides.
Variants
Mahindra Treo has 2 variants: SFT and HRT. It has two driving modes: Economy and Boost mode.
Dimensions
Mahindra Treo has a length of 2769 mm, a width of 1350 mm, and a height of 1750 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2073 mm and a ground clearance of 142 mm.
Weight and Seating Capacity
Treo SFT has a kerb weight of 377 kgs and HRT has a kerb weight of 387 kgs. Moreover, it has a seating capacity of the driver along with 3 passengers.
Features
The Treo is equipped with a wide range of features that enhance the comfort and efficiency of the EV. It has safety features like an inbuilt crash guard on the rear side, side safety doors to prevent side collisions, etc
The Treo features a spacious cabin that offers ample legroom for both the driver and passengers. There is a decent space provided for the driver to keep his personal belongings along with a 12-volt socket that the driver can use to charge his phone. It has a digital instrument cluster, a LockBox to keep belongings, handlebar to control some switches like indicators, dippers, lights, etc.
The Mahindra e-rickshaw has a fully suspended chassis, ensuring a smooth riding experience even on uneven roads. It has front and rear hydraulic brakes. It also has a dust and waterproof motor that increases its durability and a large windshield for clear visibility.
Mahindra Treo Electric Auto Review
I tried riding a Bajaj Chetak with a sidecar this year for a ‘Car Vs Bike’ issue, and it was quite an experience. Using my left arm as a steering damper to keep it straight was a challenge. The sidecar tended to lift off on left turns, unlike leaning in on right turns, making it a constant seesaw of weight transfer. When Mahindra asked if we wanted to try their Treo electric three-wheeler, I was genuinely excited to give it a go.
I live in an area where rickshaws aren’t allowed, but I’ve always been fascinated by them zipping through traffic. When I’m in the suburbs, I prefer hailing a rickshaw over cabs. In my opinion, three-wheeled vehicles like rickshaws are the quickest but also the scariest mode of transportation in a city like Mumbai, full of fun due to the motorcycling element. From the rear seat passenger experience to riding a scooter with a sidecar, I finally had the chance to get into the driver’s seat and experience the Mahindra Treo firsthand.
WHAT IS THIS?
The future of last-mile public transport is inevitably electric, with Mahindra’s Treo leading the way in the iconic black and yellow color scheme, exclusively permitted for public transport use by the RTO.
We’ve all experienced the cramped confines of a traditional rickshaw, but the Treo breaks that mold. Opening the half-cut door reveals a spacious and airy rear seat, quite the opposite of the typical rickshaw experience. The Treo’s outer shell, made of corrosion and dent-resistant SMC modular body panels, along with a weather-resistant flex canopy or optional hard top roof, adds to its comfortable design.
Entering the Mahindra Treo’s cockpit reveals a layout similar to a standard rickshaw but improved. The small digital instrument cluster includes a speedometer, odometer, battery charge indicator, and distance-to-empty range. Additional features comprise a lockable glove box and a power socket for electronic device charging. Unlike traditional setups, the Treo’s handlebar is devoid of brake or clutch levers, as braking for all three wheels is managed by the foot pedal, and being electric, there’s no clutch.
The lithium-ion battery, located under the driver’s seat, takes around three hours and fifty minutes for a full charge. The Treo offers flexibility in charging, equipped with its portable charger and requiring only a 15 amp socket. Powering the e-rickshaw is an AC induction motor with direct drive to the rear wheels, boasting 10.6 bhp and 4.28 kgm, indicating a robust driving performance. Mahindra claims a decent range of 130 kilometers on a full charge for the Treo.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Treo offers the unique benefit of accessing the driver’s seat from either side, thanks to its central seating arrangement and handlebar instead of a steering wheel. Resembling a go-kart feel but with a higher and enclosed structure, the controls are straightforward. Switch on the ignition, use the right switchgear to choose ‘F’ for Forward, ‘R’ for Reverse, and ‘N’ for Neutral. Additionally, a drive mode select button provides ‘E’ for Economy and ‘B’ for Boost modes.
Starting in economy mode, I familiarized myself with the Treo’s throttle, brakes, and steering, taking advantage of the straightforward electric operation. Acceleration and braking are the primary focus, leaving room for adapting to the counter-lean steering. Despite being in economy mode, the powertrain proves punchy, reaching a top speed of 45 kph. For a faster pace, switching to boost mode allows acceleration up to 55 kph. Mahindra Electric asserts the Treo’s capability to accelerate from 0-20 kph in 2.3 seconds, a reality that feels even quicker.
The Treo’s remarkable ride quality sets it apart from the spine-crushing experience of a regular rickshaw. With 12-inch wheels fitted with high-profile tires, it delivers an outstanding ride, even by three-wheeled vehicle standards. Whether navigating potholed roads or tackling speed breakers, the Treo had me grinning ear to ear inside the helmet. The constant ventilation through large openings ensures a comfortable experience without feeling hot or claustrophobic at any point.
IS IT FUN?
Absolutely! Driving a three-wheeled vehicle like the Treo is a pure delight. The steering is direct, providing a clear sense of what’s happening at the front wheel. When approaching a bend, your body naturally leans into the corner, with the front and outer wheels efficiently keeping the Treo on the intended line. The Mahindra team mentioned that the Treo is challenging to unsettle due to its lower weight distribution, and my attempts at hard cornering confirmed its stability, staying on three wheels most of the time.
The Treo’s brakes incorporate regeneration for minimal energy wastage, engaging the moment you release the throttle. Overall, the braking performance is commendable with no significant drawbacks. Adjusting to the combined braking for the front and rear takes some time, but it contributes to a less stressful and more integrated overall experience.
CAN YOU BUY ONE?
Unfortunately no. Although, it would be real fun if one could. The only way to legally drive one is only after acquiring the recommended licence to operate one. But, for those in the rickshaw business, the Mahindra Treo is a modern electric derivative of the rickshaw that seems to be quite promising if accepted. That said, it’s back to the driver’s cockpit for me to have more fun with this three-wheeled electric auto of the future.
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