The Rising Popularity of Electric Tuk-tuks Around the World
Government Promotion and Adoption in Cities
Recognizing these benefits, many national and local governments are launching programs to promote the adoption of it and other electric vehicles. Financial incentives like purchase subsidies and tax credits help bring down the upfront costs, while policies aim to expand charging infrastructure networks. As more models enter the market and costs decline through economies of scale, the electric option is becoming increasingly viable and attractive for tuk-tuk drivers and owners.
Bangkok has emerged as a leader with over 20,000 Global Electric Tuk-tuks already plying the streets. A government goal is for all new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2025. Other Southeast Asian cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon and Jakarta are following suit with pilot programs and plans to electrify significant portions of their tuk-tuk fleets in the coming years.
In Sri Lanka, the government is providing a 50% subsidy on the purchase price of electric three-wheelers. Over 1,000 have been sold since the program launched in 2018. The Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are installing public charging infrastructure and bringing in sample electric tuk-tuks from local manufacturers to gain driver and passenger feedback. Fleets are expected to start scaling up within the next 2-3 years.
Global Manufacturers Enter the Market
Seizing the growing market opportunity, global automotive manufacturers have entered the electric tuk-tuk space. Chinese companies like BYD, Chery and JMCG have partnered with local Southeast Asian firms to produce electric versions tailored for these regions. India's Mahindra & Mahindra also offers electric models through its Peugeot Motocycles subsidiary.
Taiwanese scooter giant Kymco has had success distributing electric tuk-tuks in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines. Their IONEX model features a lithium-ion battery providing a range of 80-100 km on a single charge. Some manufacturers are developing swappable battery schemes using standardized packs to alleviate range anxiety. This allows drivers to quickly exchange depleted packs for fresh ones at designated swap stations.
Europe is another emerging market, with diesel-powered tuk-tuks facing restrictions in many city centers. Companies like Electromechanica in Canada ship their single passenger Solo electric vehicles to countries like Portugal and Greece for last-mile delivery applications. Meanwhile, startups in the UK and Netherlands are developing light electric multi-passenger tuk-tuks tailored for European roads and regulations.
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