Piaggio India has further strengthened its Ape Electrik portfolio with the launch of two feature-rich passenger electric three-wheelers: the Ape E‑City Ultra and the Ape E‑City FX Maxx. Designed for last-mile passenger mobility and urban fleet use, these models deliver class-leading range, robust motor performance, and advanced telematics. Prices begin at approximately ₹3.30 lakh to ₹3.88 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), offering operators high uptime and low total cost of ownership.
Ape E‑City Ultra – Top-of-the-Line Passenger Model
The Ape E‑City Ultra is engineered for demanding urban and peri-urban operations:
- Equipped with a 10.2 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a motor delivering 9.55 kW (~13 hp) and 45 Nm torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and climbing power.
- Factory-certified for a range of 236 km, translating into 220–230 km in typical city usage.
- 28% gradeability capability and Climb Assist Mode ensure the vehicle handles flyovers and slopes effortlessly.
- Supports DC fast charging via a 3 kW onboard charger. A full recharge takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Top speed stands at around 55 km/h, with strong load-carrying ability and stable ride characteristics.
- Comes standard with 4G-enabled telematics, including live tracking, geo-fencing, remote immobilisation, and a digital meter showing battery state, distance-to-empty (DTE), and system alerts.
- Boasts a 5‑year / 225,000 km warranty on drivetrain and battery, reinforcing its commercial reliability.
Ape E‑City FX Maxx – Compact, Efficient, High-Uptime EV
The FX Maxx variant balances efficiency with affordability:
- Powered by an 8.0 kWh prismatic-cell battery, mated to a 7.4 kW (~10 hp) motor and 30 Nm torque output.
- Certified for 174 km range, adequate for most city and suburban routes.
- Delivers 19–20% gradeability, ideal for navigating road inclines.
- Recharges via a 2 kW charger, taking approximately 4 hours 45 minutes from empty to full.
- Includes the same robust telematics and digital display architecture as the Ultra model.
- Offered with the same 5‑year / 225,000 km warranty package to support fleet reliability and uptime.
Design, Ergonomics & Cabin Layout
Both EVs feature a commercial-grade, full-metal chassis with an ergonomic design:
- Driver + 3 passenger seating layout (Ultra), or optional cargo layout in FX Maxx.
- Tubeless 12‑inch tyres and high ground clearance (~170 mm) for negotiating Indian road conditions.
- Clean cabin ergonomics with boost mode switch, climb assist control, and accessible dashboard.
- Sturdy metal body panels with tension roof design and higher weight capacity (~700–750 kg GVW).
The interiors blend minimalism with functionality, offering essential storage, USB charging, and a comfortable seating experience for short trips.
Operating Economics & Profitability
- Running cost averages less than ₹0.50 per km, significantly lower than traditional ICE rickshaws (~₹4–₹5/km).
- Resilient battery platforms and longer range reduce charging cycles, improve uptime, and extend vehicle life.
- Strong warranty terms reduce downtime and support resale value for operators.
- Real-time telematics and energy monitoring support better route planning and fleet management.
Key Specifications – Piaggio Ape EVs
| Specification | Ape E‑City Ultra | Ape E‑City FX Maxx |
| Motor Power | 9.55 kW (~13 hp) | 7.4 kW (~10 hp) |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Battery Capacity & Type | 10.2 kWh (LFP) | 8.0 kWh (Prismatic) |
| Certified Range | 236 km | 174 km |
| Gradeability | 28% (with Climb Assist) | ~19% |
| Top Speed | ~55 km/h | ~50 km/h |
| Charging Time (Standard) | ~3h 45m (3 kW charger) | ~4h 45m (2 kW charger) |
| Warranty | 5 years / 225,000 km | Same |
| Tyres / Clearance | 12″ tubeless, ~170 mm | Same |
| Price (ex‑showroom) | ₹3.88 lakh | ₹3.30 lakh |
| Seating Layout | Driver + 3 passengers | Driver + 3 or small cargo |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which two electric three-wheeler models did Piaggio launch?
Piaggio introduced the Ape E‑City Ultra and the Ape E‑City FX Maxx, both designed for passenger transport in urban and peri-urban settings.
Q2. What is the real-world operating range for these EVs?
The Ultra model offers ~236 km certified range (~220–230 km in use), while the FX Maxx delivers ~174 km on typical urban routes.
Q3. What are the purchase price and warranty terms?
The Ape E‑City Ultra starts at ₹3.88 lakh, and the FX Maxx at ₹3.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Both come with a 5‑year or 225,000 km warranty package.
Q4. How suitable are these for hilly routes or elevated terrain?
With gradeability of 28% (Ultra) and ~19% (FX Maxx) and Climb Assist Mode, both models handle slopes and urban flyovers capably.
Q5. Do these EVs support telematics and remote monitoring?
Yes. Both models come equipped with integrated 4G telematics, supporting live tracking, geo‑fencing, remote immobilisation, and real-time alerts.
Q6. Why choose Ultra over FX Maxx?
The Ultra offers higher motor power, greater torque, longer range, and better hill-climbing capability—ideal for longer and heavier operations.
Conclusion
The Piaggio Ape E‑City Ultra and FX Maxx set new benchmarks in India’s electric three-wheeler segment. With superior range, durability, telematics support, and ultra-low operational costs, they offer a compelling mobility solution for passenger transport across cities. With competitive pricing, premium warranty terms, and smart battery tech, these models are positioned to dominate the electric last-mile passenger fleet landscape.
