Bangalore-based tech-enabled financer for electric light vehicles Three Wheels United (TWU) has partnered Piaggio Vehicles to accelerate the adoption of electric three-wheelers in India. As per the understanding, Three Wheels United will immediately deploy 500 Piaggio Ape’ E City and Ape’ E-Xtra vehicles across India.

The partners will jointly work towards promoting the adoption of Piaggio’s Ape’ E City and Ape’ E-Xtra. Three Wheels United will facilitate 3-wheeler passenger vehicle and cargo vehicle drivers to switch from old vehicles with emissions to electric vehicles. It will also connect these drivers to aggregator platforms. Piaggio will offer the required support for maintenance and servicing of the vehicles, ensuring minimal downtime for operations. With this partnership, three-wheeler drivers will not only receive support to switch from their existing vehicles to electric vehicles but will also get all the required support from TWU and Piaggio to operate these vehicles hassle-free and increase their earnings.

Commenting on the partnership, Cedrick Tandong, CEO and co-founder, Three Wheels United said “We continue to expand our partnership with large electric vehicle manufacturers in a bid to make it easier for auto rickshaw drivers to switch to sustainable last-mile transportation. I am very excited to associate with Piaggio to drive the adoption of Ape’ E-city and Ape’ E-Xtra. Through our support, drivers can now easily shift to economical, highly profitable, and less pollutive vehicles''

Diego Graffi, chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles said, “Piaggio has been known for its path-breaking solutions in last-mile connectivity. Our recently launched passenger vehicle Ape’ E City and cargo variant Ape’ E-Xtra have received tremendous response from our customers. Through this partnership with Three Wheels United, we will further amplify our efforts towards creating eco-friendly last-mile connectivity.”

The new Ape’ E-Xtra FX offers 9.5 KW power output, comes with a full metal body architecture fitted with a useful 6-feet cargo deck length, and can be customised for applications like delivery van and garbage collector, among others.