Piaggio Ape E Xtra: All You Need to Know

The cargo-three-wheeler market leader has just entered the promising last-mile cargo EV space with the launch of its all-new full-electric Ape E-Xtra. Taking on the Mahindra Treo Zor, Piaggio aims to offer a solid cargo 3W in the emerging EVs that can propel the sub 500 kg payload logistics segment. Can this new EV Ape attract new buyers away from its diesel sibling? We find out. 

Electric is clearly the buzz word across the global and Indian automotive market. We’re witnessing new announcements of either new EV launches or innovation in battery technologies. Whilst, In India, OEMs across passenger and cargo carrier segments are working on to offer solid EVs that can rival their diesel counterparts, and help make a greener and cleaner environment. 

While several regulatory and infrastructure issues need to resolve before EVs really take off. Yet, in India, one segment that seems ripe for the adoption of EVs is the last-mile delivery and people carrier categories. Already electric three-wheelers are gaining a lot of traction in the feeder routes. And taking this a notch above, the cargo carrier sub 500 kg segment is equally suitable for EV adoptions, and new launches in this category are likely to expand the market. 

Piaggio the market leader in India’s diesel power cargo 3W introduction of the full-electric Ape E-Xtra has further intensified the competition in this segment. Mahindra has already taken a lead here with its Treo Zor- which has gradually gained a lot of traction. So, what sets the Ape E Xtra apart from the diesel power three-wheeler? Can this be your next last-mile delivery vehicle? We try to answer these questions by bringing you the key characteristics of this new kid on the block.

High Power & Range

The first element that comes to your mind of any electric vehicle is the range and power. This is for obvious reasons, the Ape E Xtra is fitted with a powerful motor that has a peak power of 9.55kW (12.8hp) at 3500 rpm and a solid 45Nm of torque. The modern lithium-ion battery is highly powerful with 8kW of capacity. The Ape E Xtra undoubtedly scores much higher than the diesel sibling in the power and pickup, the Ape Xtra LDX which comes with 9.3hp of power. The E Xtra’s top speed is 45 kmph with a superior 17% of gradeability along with greater and enhanced pickup for quick delivery across all terrains. 

Large Cargo Deck 

The Ape E Xtra is a cargo vehicle, and what you look forward to is a sizable and strong cargo body. Here, Piaggio is offering you the best in segment 6ft cargo deck that allows you to carry all your daily cargo shipments without the lag of power or space. The cargo body is (LxWxH) 1830 mm x1400x mm 285 mm in size. Besides the standard open body, you can build a customized body such as a delivery van, garbage collector, etc that suits your logistics business. 

Ease of Use

To make the use of this EV effortless on your daily cargo duties, Piaggio is offering its in-house telematics solutions called iConnect. This helps you in real-time all vital vehicle information on your smartphone including the battery charging status, average range per charge, time to reaming charge, live vehicle locations, trouble code alerts and units consumed per month.  

Elegant Look 

Ape E Xtra doesn't score well in performance but also on its look and feel. Piaggio has given this new cargo EV a modern appealing exterior design angle that makes it look stylish and gleaming. Like the attractive silver bezel at the front, dual-tone seats, modern and contemporary decals and blue-vision headlamps. The wide windscreen looks strong that offers an ample outside view to the driver, and the single wiper for safety during rains. The rugged and durable overall metal body and stronger door also suit this tiny little cargo Ape.

Low Running & Ownership Cost

Since there is a lot of push towards the electrification of the automotive industry, the Ape E Xtra comes with incentives. Besides the FAME II direct subsidy, you pay zero road tax and nominal registration of this EV. What also worth noting is the Ape E-Xtra offers the benefit of lower running cost per kilometre compared to the diesel 3W and the maintenance cost is lower as you don’t have engine, clutch or gear-related components that need regular care. 

Further, to make the overall ownership experience easy and you can run this vehicle without maintenance issues, Piaggio is offering 3 years or 1 lakh kilometre super warranty. Additionally, there is a 3 years maintenance-free program too, and what benefits you with the Piaggio brand is the widest network across India’s length and breadth, and you don’t have to wait for service or any operational issue. 

In a nutshell, Piaggio has taken its most famous vehicle the Ape Xtra into electric with a strongly built quality 3W that offer you easy charging, greater range and the decade long truck of the Ape brand. This makes the Ape E Xtra an ideal last-mile cargo delivery three-wheeler. This new electric Ape qualify for the FAME II subsidiary and available at an attractive introductory price of Rs 3.12 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi. Why wait? Explore this all-new vehicle at the nearest Piaggio dealership, who knows, this could be your next vehicle?

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