Electric tuk-tuks drive cleaner transport

Battery-powered tuk-tuks are rapidly replacing petrol and diesel models, cutting transport costs, reducing emissions and improving air quality in India.

“The total cost of ownership is unbeatable with electric vehicles,” said Divya Chandra, Director of Atul Greentech.

Almost 70% of three-wheelers sold in India in 2025 were battery-powered, up from 20% in 2020, making the country a global leader in electric three-wheeler adoption. Lower battery prices, expanding charging and battery-swapping networks, and supportive government policies have accelerated the transition, while manufacturers estimate electric tuk-tuks cost around one-fifth as much to run per kilometre as petrol models. The shift is also gathering pace across South and Southeast Asia, helping reduce fuel dependence, improve urban air quality and create more affordable transport for millions of people.