Electric mobility startup e-Vidyut has commenced commercial operations of its three-wheeler retrofitment technology in Maharashtra, marking a significant development in India's electric vehicle transition. The company, backed by cross-border venture capital firm Pontaq, holds certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for both two-stroke and four-stroke autorickshaw conversions.
The startup recorded 30 autorickshaw registrations on its inaugural day of commercial operations, indicating market demand for retrofit solutions. e-Vidyut is positioned as one of only two companies in India with ARAI certification for three-wheeler retrofitment, and the sole entity certified for both engine types.
India's autorickshaw market presents substantial opportunity, with over 3.5 million vehicles aged between 5 to 15 years currently in operation. The company's Electromotion RetroKit enables drivers to convert existing petrol or CNG autorickshaws into electric vehicles at reduced costs compared to purchasing new electric three-wheelers.
Technical specifications indicate the retrofit kit provides a certified range of 132 kilometers per charge while reducing daily fuel expenses by up to 70%. Environmental benefits include preventing approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per converted vehicle annually.
Surya Pratap Singh, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of e-Vidyut, stated the Maharashtra launch represents the initial phase of broader expansion plans. The company aims to retrofit at least 50,000 autorickshaws over the next two years.
Lopa Mishra, General Partner at Pontaq, emphasized the initiative's potential for systemic change in urban transport, addressing financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and national EV adoption objectives.
e-Vidyut has outlined expansion plans to six additional states, including Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Gujarat. The company positions this growth strategy as creating a nationwide retrofitting movement while supporting driver livelihoods.
The retrofit solution has received both ARAI certification and Regional Transport Office (RTO) approval, meeting regulatory requirements for commercial deployment. This regulatory compliance enables legal operation of converted vehicles on Indian roads.
The commercial launch follows e-Vidyut's development phase, during which the company refined its retrofit technology and secured necessary certifications. Pontaq's backing provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to global markets as the startup scales operations.
The three-wheeler retrofitment sector addresses cost barriers that prevent many autorickshaw drivers from transitioning to electric vehicles. By converting existing vehicles rather than requiring complete replacement, the technology offers a more accessible path to electric mobility adoption.
e-Vidyut's entry into commercial operations occurs amid India's broader push toward electric vehicle adoption across transportation segments. The government has implemented various policies and incentives to accelerate EV adoption, creating a supportive environment for retrofit solutions.