Ahmedabad-Based eNEG Mobility Developing Rs 4.5 Lakh E-Taxi with Battery Subscription

Ahmedabad-based electric mobility startup eNEG Mobility is developing an electric taxi with a targeted price of Rs 4.5 lakh excluding the battery, as it looks to reduce the upfront cost of electric vehicles for commercial fleet operators. The vehicle will also be offered at a proposed on-road price of Rs 6.49 lakh with the battery and is expected to deliver a range of 300-320 km on a single charge.

The company is developing the vehicle specifically for shared mobility, focusing on lower operating costs, reliability and durability under intensive commercial use. Positioned as a mini-SUV, the proposed electric taxi is intended to sit between the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Dzire.

The proposed electric taxi will use a 30-32 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, paired with a 50 kW (67 hp) electric motor producing approximately 150 Nm of torque. 

According to the company's stated specifications, the vehicle will feature a rear-wheel-drive layout, a single-speed automatic transmission, and seating capacity for five. It is being developed with a targeted top speed of 80 kph.

The company also claims a DC fast-charging time of approximately 27 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%. 

These figures remain development targets, with eNEG Mobility stating that the final specifications may change before commercial introduction.

Unlike electric passenger cars adapted for taxi operations, eNEG Mobility says its vehicle is being designed around the requirements of fleet operators from the outset. Its engineering priorities include battery capacity suited to commercial driving patterns, efficient powertrain performance and durable components that can withstand extensive daily use. 

The company is also focusing on simplified mechanical systems, durable interior materials and easily accessible service points to reduce maintenance costs and vehicle downtime.

Battery Subscription and Fleet Telematics

A key part of eNEG Mobility's strategy is its proposed Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, which would allow taxi operators to purchase the vehicle without owning the battery. Under this arrangement, the vehicle is expected to cost Rs 4.5 lakh upfront. The company is also developing a swappable battery option with a targeted replacement time of seven minutes.

The subscription model is intended to reduce the initial investment required by fleet operators, although they would incur recurring battery-related expenses. In an interview, founder Akshay Gupta indicated that battery costs could be around Rs 1 per kilometre. However, this remains a company estimate, with final subscription charges and operating terms yet to be established.

Beyond the vehicle's mechanical specifications, eNEG Mobility plans to offer an integrated fleet management system. The proposed telematics platform will include route monitoring, theft deterrence, battery-health tracking and predictive maintenance functions.

The company intends to integrate these systems during vehicle development rather than offer them as aftermarket additions. For fleet operators, such features could help track vehicle utilisation, identify potential maintenance requirements and reduce unplanned downtime.

Partnership-Led Development and Manufacturing Plans

The company is exploring a development approach that would help contain the cost of entering the automotive market. Rather than developing an entirely new chassis, Gupta said the venture is looking at working with a supplier that could provide a body-in-white or an existing platform. He said developing an independent chassis could require tooling investment of close to $200 million.

The company is laying the foundation for manufacturing operations in Gujarat, with its headquarters in Ahmedabad and access to established automotive suppliers and manufacturing clusters. It is also inviting fleet operators, suppliers, original equipment manufacturers and government bodies to collaborate on the programme.

The startup’s development work includes research and development at IIT Madras, while discussions with potential partners are part of its broader development effort.

The proposed electric taxi is aimed at improving the economics of fleet electrification through a lower acquisition cost, battery subscription options, and vehicle systems designed around commercial use. Its eventual competitiveness will depend on the final vehicle specification, real-world range, pricing, battery-service availability and the scale of its manufacturing and support network.