Exponent Energy Launches Electric Retrofit Kit for Auto Rickshaws for ₹1.7 Lakh

Exponent Energy, a Bengaluru-based energy tech company, has launched its Exponent Oto retrofit kit to convert CNG or LNG-powered auto rickshaws to electric. The company says conversion takes only 24 hours. The kits are priced at ₹1.7 lakh, and major cities including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad are its primary targets at the moment. 

Interested customers can take advantage of EMI payment schemes with zero down payment, and an assured buyback after three years. The company offers a 5-year or 3,000 charging cycle warranty. It also says this is a good way to give older, mechanically worn-down vehicles a new lease on life. 

The main draw for passenger rickshaw owners will be Exponent’s fast charging technology – it claims a full charge from zero to 100 percent in 15 minutes. This is intended to eliminate downtime and waiting for a charging station; one of the major pain points for EV owners and operators. Exponent says drivers could save up to ₹5,000 every month, factoring in a monthly installment plus charging costs, compared to the fuel and maintenance for a CNG or LPG rickshaw.

Exponent Energy manages its own proprietary charging network, with its own e^pack batteries, e^pump public charging stations, and e^plug charging connector. It currently has 40 charging stations across Bengaluru, which it says is one every 3km, with more coming soon. A smartphone app lets drivers find the nearest charger, check its real-time status, and make payments.

The company will remove a vehicle’s existing engine, fuel tank, gearbox, and related components, replacing them with its own electric drivetrain and battery. Physical structural mounts are also fabricated and installed. The vehicle will no longer have a gearshift or clutch, but will gain hill-start assist and smartphone connectivity including GPS, diagnostics, and real-time alerts. The components are also claimed to be IP67 water resistant. 

Once fitted with an Oto kit, a rickshaw will be able to accelerate from 0-30 kmph in under 4.5 seconds. Real-world range is claimed to be up to 150km per charge. Offboard cooling in the charger, rather than in the battery, allows for lower vehicle weight and more cost efficiency. 

The company points to India’s goal of increasing EV penetration, reducing reliance on imported fuel, and improving air quality as reasons to convert passenger three-wheelers to electricity. 

In a press statement, Arun Vinayak, CEO and Co-founder, Exponent Energy, said "We already cater to new vehicle buyers with a bunch of great products from partners using our 15-minute charging tech. But vehicles on the ground are almost 25-30x the number of new vehicle sales. We want everyone to be able to get the Exponent EV experience as fast as possible, which is why retrofitting becomes a great option".

He added "In the three-wheeler segment, historically every fuel shift has happened through retrofitting. The whole idea is to make great tech accessible and affordable to every driver, that’s how you bring about sustainability at rapid scale. We’re going to work with stakeholders and policymakers across the country to make that happen".

Exponent Energy was founded in 2020 by former Ather chief product officer Arun Vinayak. It has raised $44.6 million so far from Hero Motocorp CEO and President Pawan Munjal’s family office as well as multiple capital venture firms.