Electrification of the transportation sector is a key strategy for addressing the environmental impact of human activities in the 21st century. This article will explore the rise of electric tuk-tuks in South Asia and their increasing relevance to the global transportation market.
Image Credit: DimaCool/Shutterstock.com
Introduction
Tuk-tuks have long been used in urban centers in South Asia, becoming iconic modes of transportation that ferry people and goods. However, like other forms of transportation, most tuk-tuks still rely on fossil fuels for power.
In recent years, electric tuk-tuks have started to make inroads in the South Asian market, bringing the dual benefits of greater sustainability and economic opportunity to communities and businesses alike. Aside from this well-established market, there has been growing attention on the potential adoption of electric tuk-tuks in other urban centers, such as for deliveries in cities such as New York.1
The Evolution of Tuk-Tuks in Asia
Tuk-tuks, also known as autorickshaws, originated in the mid-20th century. They feature three wheels and a lack of tilting, giving them stability. These efficient vehicles are easy to operate, safe, and affordable, making them a good choice for heavily congested South Asian cities. They are used as taxi services and for transporting goods all over the region.2
However, while they are ideal for navigating crowded cities, tuk-tuks still run on hydrocarbon fuels, significantly contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions.
The Electric Vehicle Market in South Asian Nations
Successive governments have prioritized improving the sustainability of the transport sector and meeting climate goals in South Asian nations, such as India.
By 2030, according to India Energy Storage Alliance, a trade body, the EV market in India is predicted to expand by a CAGR of 49% by 2030. Furthermore, 15 million out of 17 million EV sales in India in 2030 are predicted to be two-wheelers.3
If these predictions hold true, then around 8 out of 10 new two- and three-wheeled vehicles in India will be fully electric, reducing CO2 emissions in this nation by 850 million tons. The uptake of EVs, such as electric tuk-tuks, has been helped by regulatory frameworks such as the FAME II initiative and policies such as electric-only zones in inner cities such as New Delhi.3
Key Players and Innovations in Electric Tuk-Tuks
Technological advances, such as faster charging, higher-density lithium-ion batteries, and new solid-state batteries, have accelerated the development of EVs, such as electric tuk-tuks, in the South Asian market. Notable companies leading the charge include Bajaj Auto, MTW, Hero Electric, and TONBO.
Bajaj, for instance, has a well-established presence in South Asia and is now moving into markets outside the region, such as Egypt, exporting two- and three-wheelers, and is now developing fully electric offerings such as the Chetak e-scooter, three-wheeled Maxima XL Cargo E-Tech 12.0, and four-wheeled fully electric Qute.4
Key innovations, such as new generations of batteries with improved range and efficiency, lightweight frames constructed of new materials, delivery-specific designs, and battery swapping, are also advancing the sector. Gayam Motor Works is one notable company providing battery-swapping technology in South Asia.
Battery swapping is an especially important innovation in the electric tuk-tuk sector as it overcomes critical roadblocks to adoption such as range anxiety and battery durability. Once used, batteries can be exchanged at service stations and dealerships for fresh, fully charged units. Smartphone apps can also help drivers monitor usage.5
Companies in the electric tuk-tuk sector in Asia are currently concentrating on areas such as acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and product innovation. Due to the ongoing innovation, development, and increasing governmental focus, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue to dominate over the next decade.6
Impact on Sustainability
Electrifying the millions of tuk-tuks in South and Southeast Asian nations, such as India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia, would significantly impact sustainability in the region. In India alone, electrifying most of the nation's millions of new tuk-tuk sales by 2030 would save 850 million tons of predicted CO2 emissions.3
Electric tuk-tuks and similar vehicles would also improve air quality in some of Earth's most polluted urban centers and decrease reliance on fossil fuels and energy imports. As well as emissions savings, electrifying 80% of India’s tuk-tuk fleet would save $207 billion of oil, reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.3
However, if electric tuk-tuks are to be truly sustainable, research and policy should focus on more sustainable battery manufacturing, end-of-life disposal, and recycling in line with circular economy aims.
Economic and Social Impact of Tuk-Tuk Electrification
This drive toward a more sustainable future in the sector would also have a positive economic and social impact. Job creation in EV manufacturing, increased affordability due to reduced fuel costs, and improved air quality are potential benefits over ICE vehicles.
In Sri Lanka, for instance, there are around 1.2 million tuk-tuks, but a fuel crisis in the country led to a jobs crisis in the tuk-tuk industry, forcing half a million drivers out of work and leading to delays in deliveries in the early 2000s which had a significant economic and social impact. Replacing ICE vehicles with fully electric alternatives would aid the nation’s economic recovery.7
Outside South Asia, the benefits of electric tuk-tuks are becoming more widely recognized for delivery in heavily congested urban areas. Bilili Electric, a company with its roots in India, now makes deliveries using tuk-tuks in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. This could significantly benefit the delivery industry in an area that historically has issues with heavy traffic and air pollution.1
Barriers to Tuk-Tuk Adoption and Future Opportunities
Despite the technology's benefits, the adoption of electric tuk-tuks faces the same barriers as other EVs, including range anxiety, lack of sufficient infrastructure, charging times, and high initial cost. This is especially problematic for some economically underserved communities. Furthermore, a lack of consumer awareness can hinder uptake.
However, significant opportunities still exist, and innovation is a main driver of EV uptake in this sector. For instance, battery swapping stations in nations such as India overcome issues such as range anxiety, durability, and cost. Regulatory and policy pressures will also likely impact the future trajectory of the electric tuk-tuk industry.
Despite the challenges associated with the green transformation of the industry in South Asia, the successes already achieved by companies in this key transportation segment demonstrate the transformative potential of electric tuk-tuks. Major opportunities outside the region mean that other countries could replicate success in the Asia-Pacific region.
In Summary
As this article shows, electric tuk-tuks can help the South Asian and Asia-Pacific regions meet their environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals by reducing emissions, improving air quality, reducing reliance on finite fossil fuel resources, creating new jobs, and accelerating economic growth in developing economies.
Adopting electric tuk-tuks could transform this region and other nations, benefiting the delivery industry, tourism, and other key economic sectors.
References and Further Reading
- Motorina, H (2024) Battery-Powered Tuk-Tuks from India Could Revolutionize Hell’s Kitchen Deliveries [online] W42ST. Available at: https://w42st.com/post/battery-powered-tuk-tuks-from-india-could-revolutionize-hells-kitchen-deliveries/ (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- Tuk Tuks (2024) What is a Tuk Tuk? [online] tuktuks.com. Available at: https://www.tuktuks.com/what-is-a-tuk-tuk (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- Parker, S (2023) E-rickshaws turn the tide for India [online] The Interpreter. Available at: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/e-rickshaws-turn-tide-india (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- Dalvi, A (2024) Bajaj Auto begins exporting Qute to Egypt, electric Qute in the works [online] Autocar Professional. Available at: https://www.autocarpro.in/analysis-sales/two-wheeler-exports-finally-on-the-upswing-bajaj-tvs-honda-and-hero-lead-the-charge-120379 (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- St. John, J (2021) Battery swapping: The killer app for electrifying India’s millions of tuk-tuks? [online] Canary Media. Available at: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/electric-vehicles/battery-swapping-the-killer-app-for-electrifying-indias-millions-of-tuk-tuks (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- Dhapte, A (2025) Electric Tuk Tuk Market Report [online] Market Research Future. Available at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/electric-tuk-tuk-market-26928 (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
- Shahan, Z (2023) Sri Lanka Aims to Reach 500,000 Electric Tuk-Tuks [online] CleanTechnica. Available at: https://cleantechnica.com/2023/06/15/sri-lanka-aims-to-reach-500000-electric-tuk-tuks (Accessed on 02 February 2025)
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.