The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) presents a unique opportunity to not only revolutionise transportation but also foster a more sustainable and circular economy. Circular economy principles advocate for minimising waste, maximising resource efficiency, and promoting recycling and reuse. By integrating these principles into the EV industry, the commercial EV OEMs can create a more environmentally friendly and economically viable future.
Here are the top four leading commercial EV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that are not only spearheading the transition to electric mobility but also actively promoting the principles of the circular economy:
Etrio: From pure-play EVs to intelligent EVs, Etrio takes a customer-centric approach to reducing carbon footprint and transportation costs in the Logistics Sector. Within five years, Etrio established its unique position in the industry by introducing India’s first certified Electric Light Commercial truck and the Country's first FAME-certified 3-wheeler in the L5 cargo category. It has clocked over 16 million in-service EV miles across India for mapping several diverse usage scenarios for advanced Cargo EV applications and built a high-performing portfolio of electric vehicles, ranging from 3 to 4-wheelers with payloads from 500 kg to 750 kg. Etrio's products cater to last-mile applications in e-commerce, quick-commerce, farm-to-fork, cold chain logistics, waste management, etc. By enabling several companies to optimize their supply chain and transportation needs while embracing sustainable practices, Etrio has garnered the attention of over 30 global companies, including Amazon, IKEA, Big Basket, Reliance JioMart, Flipkart/Walmart, Nestle, and more.
Omega Seiki Mobility: Omega Seiki Mobility, a division of the Anglian Omega Group and headquartered in New Delhi, India, is an electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in commercial EVs for last-mile delivery. Their flagship vehicle, the Rage+, is an indigenously designed and developed smart electric cargo three-wheeler. Launched at the Auto Expo 2020, it has garnered attention as India's first of its kind. Omega Seiki Mobility has also introduced the Rage+ Frost, a refrigerated vehicle aimed at facilitating the delivery of food and pharmaceuticals, including the critical COVID-19 vaccine. With plans to invest significant funds in their e-mobility venture, Omega Seiki Mobility aims to establish itself as India's premier global electric cargo company.
Piaggio: Piaggio, the esteemed Italian automobile company founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, initially gained fame for its iconic Vespa scooters. However, the company later entered the commercial vehicle market and introduced the Piaggio Ape, a three-wheeled light commercial vehicle, in 1948. With its widespread acceptance, Piaggio established itself as a leading manufacturer in the mini truck segment and expanded its presence across 50 countries worldwide, with a notable focus on the Asian market. Since 1999, Piaggio has been operating in India, producing the Ape at its production unit in Baramati near Pune.
Kinetic Green: The Kinetic Green product - Kinetic Safar Jumbo is a powerful electric three-wheeler cargo vehicle designed to meet the transportation needs of businesses. With a GVW of over 1 tonne and a spacious cargo box with approximately 150 square feet of cubic capacity, it offers a payload capacity of 500kg. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack, the Safar Jumbo boasts a range of 120km on a single charge. It features a full steel body, CED coated steel chassis, digital cluster, dynamic SOC, CAN-based controller with an interactive Kinetic Konnect app and GPS, and independent rear suspension. With its impressive specifications and eco-friendly electric powertrain, the Kinetic Safar Jumbo provides a reliable and efficient solution for commercial cargo transportation.
In conclusion, as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the importance of integrating circular economy principles into the manufacturing and operation of these vehicles cannot be overstated. The four commercial EV OEMs discussed above serve as shining examples in this regard. By embracing the circular economy, they are not only reducing environmental impact but also setting the stage for a more resource-efficient and resilient transportation sector.