Move over Teslas and Taycans, the real revolution is here—and it has three wheels, a vinyl roof, and the soul of a chaiwala navigating rush-hour traffic. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you the Bajaj RE Electric Cargo—the unsung hero of Indian logistics, now electrified and sassier than ever.
This isn’t just an auto rickshaw with a plug. No no, this is the Bajaj RE E-Tec 9.0, launched in 2023 to add some wattage to your workday. Think of it as the result of a daring love affair between a battery and a tempo. And what a majestic firstborn it is.
Design & Dimensions: Mini but Mighty
It may only be 2.7 metres long and 1.3 metres wide, but underestimate it at your peril. This little white dynamo is 1.8 metres tall, which is exactly how it feels about itself—tall and proud. Its steel bumper is basically its way of saying: “Hit me, I dare you.”
With 12-inch steel wheels wrapped in MRF Steel Master M154s, this is a rickshaw that eats potholes for breakfast and burps out drum brakes.
And before you say anything about comfort, let me remind you it has a vinyl roof and vinyl upholstery. If that doesn’t scream royalty-on-a-budget, I don’t know what does.
Electric Heart, Desi Soul
Nestled under the driver’s seat like a loyal guard dog is an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, IP67 rated for waterproofing—because you know monsoons aren’t gentle. And out back is the Advanced Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, which sounds like it was borrowed from the future, but was actually developed to haul vegetables through narrow gullies.
It churns out 6 horsepower and 36 Nm of torque, which may not get you on a racetrack, but it’ll happily tow your ego uphill with 29% gradeability and hill-hold assist to boot. That’s more than I can say for some two-wheelers I know.
And thanks to its 2-speed automatic transmission, you get better control on inclines, smoother rides, and the luxury of saying “I don’t need to change gears” with smugness.
Charging & Efficiency: Plug, Pray, Profit
Unlike your laptop charger that mysteriously vanishes every weekend, this RE comes with an on-board charger. No more dragging around bricks or looking for compatible adapters like a desperate iPhone user at a wedding.
Plug it into a 16A three-pin socket and you’ll get 80% in 3 hours or 100% in 4.5 hours. Enough time to grab a samosa, nap under a tree, and plan your global expansion strategy.
The claimed range is 178 km—ideal for city deliveries, multiple school drops, and at least two trips to pick up the in-laws without breaking a sweat. Top speed? A majestic 45 km/h, which might sound slow until you remember: this is India. Going faster just means you’ll hit the next traffic jam quicker.
Features: RE-volutionary Add-Ons
- Economy & Power modes: Like choosing between sipping chai and chugging Red Bull.
- CV drive shaft: Less maintenance, more uptime—because who has time for garages?
- Regenerative braking: Saves power while braking. It’s like karma in vehicular form.
- Suspension: Twin shock absorbers in front, independent trailing arm with helical springs at the back. Translation: Your kidneys will survive even if the road doesn’t.
And of course, the Mera Bajaj app helps you find nearby charging stations, because nothing says “future-ready” like checking your phone to juice up your auto.
Verdict: The Rickshaw of the New Age
In a world obsessed with sleek sedans and oversized SUVs, the Bajaj RE Electric reminds us that true utility doesn’t need a spoiler or 0–100 specs. It just needs:
- A charging cable,
- A determined driver,
- And enough torque to climb a flyover like it’s Mount Everest.
At ₹3.33 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s not just affordable—it’s practically a public service. You’ll be the eco-warrior your mohalla deserves.
So here’s to the RE:
India’s first fully electric chhota haathi with the heart of a lion, the range of an overachiever, and the humility of an underdog.
Because who needs Tesla Autopilot when you have Desi Jugaad and a handlebar steering?
