Etrio, an electric vehicle manufacturer, intends to join the electric four-wheeler light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment and will introduce new models in the three-wheeler category and open dealerships in six states, the company announced its entry into the B2C segment with a pan-India dealership network to increase three-wheeler adoption. The three-wheeler passenger market, which has been severely hampered by limited movement as a result of the pandemic and city lockdowns, is expected to rebound once demand picks up.
Demand in the e-commerce last-mile logistics category is driving intra-city movement development. To meet this demand, Etrio is collaborating on the ground with dealers and other stakeholders, such as financiers and charging infrastructure providers, to create an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the region. Etrio expects to expand its presence in the country by opening locations in over 15 states. As part of this strategy, the company will boost its presence in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, as well as expand into Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.
“The electric three-wheeler range will be the primary product line, with cargo and passenger segments. Plans are also in the works to introduce new three-wheeler models and to join the hybrid four-wheeler LCV market with a one-tonne offering. This dealership presence is consistent with our fundamental conviction that true EV acceptance can only occur when the average driver sees three-wheeler EVs as the favored choice over traditional fuel alternatives”, said Deepak MV, co-founder of Etrio.
“With EVs winning the fight for a total cost of ownership in the three-wheeler market, it’s time to establish a strong presence on the field, raise awareness, and bring the real customer into the fold. Our dealers will play the most important role in making this happen. We at Etrio are in it for the long run, and we’re focused on gradually expanding our national footprint. Apart from the major metros, we intend to expand in a few states and concentrate on tier-II cities”, added Deepak MV.
The company’s main product line will be the Touro electric three-wheeler series, which will be available in both, freight and passenger segments, with dealership viability becoming the company’s primary priority, allowing them to take the shortest path to profitability. This is accomplished by combining a healthy dealer margin, optimum inventory levels and overheads, good reward mechanisms, and an exclusive right to scale up across a vast geography. Etrio currently has partnerships with two major NBFCs, and is looking to expand this list, the company intends to open Etrio experience centers in some cities across the country.
The three-wheeler passenger market, which has been severely hampered by restricted movement as a result of the pandemic and city lockdowns, is expected to rebound once demand picks up. Furthermore, demand in the e-commerce last-mile logistics category is driving intra-city movement development. To meet this demand, Etrio is collaborating on the ground with dealers and other stakeholders, such as financiers and charging infrastructure providers, to create an EV ecosystem in the region.
