Most popular cargo three-wheeler in India 

The most affordable, easy to operate and reliable-the three-wheeler is a popular mode of cargo transportation. We take a look at top products in this vibrant category to help you understand the market. 

India’s three-wheeler market is unique, with larger volumes selling in the domestic market. The annual average sales of 3Ws are between 6-7 lacs in the domestic market comprising passenger and cargo segment. Despite fair competition from mini-truck, the 3W segment continues to grow. The reason is customers buying these vehicles are mostly at the bottom at the pyramid who want an affordable, easy to operate and fuel-efficient last-mile vehicle for their business needs in the sub 500 kg payload capacities.

While the mini-trucks are now available at attractive prices, the 3W remains the most affordable for entrepreneurs, smaller businesses or fleet-operators. Also, the 3Ws are the ultimate last-mile vehicle that often reaches to the customers door-steps. Unlike other CV segments, in 3W, the passenger vehicle segment is larger than the cargo. Yet, demand for cargo 3W has been on the uptick. As the market continues to grow, OEMs are eyeing a bigger slice of the market by offering value for money products to the customers. 

The competition in the segment is intense as top-players fighting it out to gain higher share. The size of the cargo 3W in India right now 1,10,000 units per year thus, attracting the attention of key players such as Bajaj Auto, Piaggio, Mahindra, Atul Auto and Lohia Auto. 

Top Models

Ape Xtra LDX

In the cargo carrier category, Piaggio is the market leader with over 40% share in the category. The company retails top-selling Ape Ape Xtra LDX cargo variant which is now BS comes with new emission and a lot of features.

Ape Xtra LDX is fuel-efficient, highly optimized cargo 3w with the superior built quality and greater performance. Ape Xtra LDX gets the 599CC diesel BS6 engine for higher load-carrying needs, better pickup, and faster deliveries. 

The single-cylinder naturally aspirated water-cooled direct-injection engine produces the maximum power of 7 kW at 3600 rpm and 23.5 Nm of torque at 2200 rpm. A constant-mesh type gearbox takes this 3W care's transmission duties with 5-forward and 1-reverse gear for a smoother and fatigue-free driving experience. 

Maxima C

Bajaj Auto is by far the biggest player in the overall 3W segment thanks to its dominating position in the domestic passenger carrier category and export segment. The company largely focuses on the passenger segment, where the largest volume comes. Yet, to offer a product to its cargo customers, the company retails its Maxima C cargo variants. 

Maxima C is available in diesel and CNG engine options. The diesel engine is a 470.5 cc displacement producing maximum power for 6.74 kW (9hp) at net torque of 23.18 N.m, and for better climbing, it comes with 18% of gradeability. The dry clutch is a single plate, and the brake is RH foot operated with a hydraulic drum type.

Gem Cargo 

Atul Auto is another strong player in the overall 3W market, and the company offers a range of products in the overall market. In the diesel cargo carrier segment, the company has GEM Cargo for all cargo needs of city, towns and rural applications. 

Atul Gem Cargo is fitted with a powerful powertrain comprising a four-stroke, water-cooled diesel engine with a maximum power of 9hp at 598 CC and torque 23.6 Nm. It is fitted with 4-speed manual transmission.

The gross vehicle weight of this last-mile cargo is 3W 996 kg. Based on the strong monocoque chassis frame, the Gem Cargo has 10.5L in size. The turning radius is 2500 mm; wheelbase is 2105, ground clearance 240 mm. Both the front and rear tyre are 4.50 X 10 size.

Alfa Load

Mahindra Alfa Load is another highly promising product in the category. The Alfa is a versatile cargo 3W with leading features and fuel mileage. Mahindra has further optimized this 3W in the new emission by offering a highly competitive product.

Mahindra Alfa Load gets more powerful and greener with the all-new BS6 engine. The powertrain consists of a single-cylinder, water-cooled engine with 599 cc displacement. For faster delivery of cargo, the engine produces segment-leading 9.3HP of power at superior 23.5 Nm of torque, tuned to a 5-speed gearbox, and fitted with a 6-plate clutch. Alfa Load carries 520 kg of load comfortably on its overall robust cargo body, 5.5 X 4.6 ft with higher stability in a full load. 

Humsafar Cargo

Lohia Humsafar Cargo Humsafar is another cargo three-wheeler in the highly competitive segment. Available in petrol and diesel powertrains, the diesel one comes with the diesel powertrain consisting of single-cylinder four-stroke, direct Injection, 435CC diesel engine. It produces 8.1hp of power at a maximum torque of 22.2Nm, tuned to a 4-speed constant mesh gearbox. The petrol engine is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, spark ignition, 395 cc displacement, and produces 10hp of power at 23 Nm of peak torque at a maximum speed of 45km. 

If you’re looking to buy a cargo three-wheeler, there are several compelling options available from all the top brands. Each product comes with a distinctive identity and brand appeal. You can explore all of them at TrucksDekho before you head to the nearest dealership to check them out in real! 

Also Read: 

Piaggio Ape Xtra LDX, Bajaj Maxima C and Mahindra Alfa : Spec comparison 

Mahindra brings all-new electric cargo 3W: Treo Zor.

Piaggio launches Ape E- City auto in Kerala.

Bajaj Auto introduces complete BS6 three-wheeler range.