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State-owned SIL rolls out electric 3-wheeler; gas version on the anvil

The state-owned Scooters India Limited today announced its foray into the domestic three-wheeler market with the launch of a battery-powered electric vehicle -- the Vikram-EV. It is priced at Rs 162,000.

Besides, the company is also working towards introducing a gas- powered version of the vehicle -- the Vikram-PG, according to A Sahay, chairman and managing director, SIL.

The electric vehicle, which was initially test-marketed in Lucknow, and has been under operation in Nepal as Safa Tempo for the past three years, was launched in the capital by Delhi government chief secretary Omesh Saigal.

''This marks our graduation from an essentially two-wheeler manufacturer to a three-wheeler manufacturer. We have added one more wheel to our vehicles. Around 200 units of Vikram-EV have already been sold in Nepal over the past three years and we expect to replicate its success in the Indian market as well.''

The Vikram-EV is driven by a DC motor with power input at 72 volts from special deep discharge cycle batteries. It has neither engine nor gearbox and is a zero-emission vehicle. ''Reversing the vehicle is carried out by changing the direction of rotation of the motor and thus no gear shifting is involved. The vehicle is designed to carry seven passengers.

Sahay said the company would initially ply these three-wheelers in New Delhi.

Regarding the company's performance, he said, SIL has met all its debt obligations, including pay back of principal and interest due thereon within the specified time. It has also been granted the miniratna status.

It has, over the past, increased its production and sales, and also developed four models of three-wheelers -- Vikram 750D, Vikram 410D, Vikram 410P and Vikram 600P.

UNI

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