Tired of breathing exhaust fumes every time you hop into an auto-rickshaw? Or a driver fed up with petrol prices eating into your daily earnings? The TVS King EV Max might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. With 500 units hitting Tamil Nadu roads through a partnership with OOR Cabs, this electric three-wheeler promises to make your daily commute cleaner, quieter and potentially cheaper.
The King EV Max combines the auto-rickshaw experience with modern electric technology to create a vehicle perfect for city rides, airport runs or just getting around town without the noise and pollution of traditional petrol autos.
Design and Build
The TVS King EV Max has the classic auto-rickshaw silhouette Indians know and love but with a modern twist. The flat floorboard gives more legroom than cramped traditional autos, while the tumble seat design allows for flexible seating or extra luggage space when needed. It’s not trying to be flashy but has a clean professional look that stands out from the battered autos you see on Indian roads.
The build quality feels solid with a kerb weight of 457 kg and 185mm ground clearance handles Indian road conditions well. 500mm water wading capacity means you won’t get stuck when monsoon floods hit the streets.
TVS King EV Max Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 11kW (Peak), PMSM Type |
| Battery Capacity | 9.2 kWh Lithium-Ion LFP |
| Certified Range | 179 km (ARAI) |
| Top Speed | 60 kmph (Power Mode) |
| Charging Time | 0-80%: 2hr 15min, 0-100%: 3hr 30min |
| Seating Capacity | Driver + 3 Passengers |
| Gradeability | 31% (Best-in-class) |
| Water Wading | 500mm |
| Warranty | 6 years/1.5 lakh km |
| Price | Rs 2.95 Lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi) |
Engine and Performance
The King EV Max ditches the noisy petrol engine for a smooth silent 11kW PMSM motor that delivers 40Nm of torque. It has enough power for city driving and is incredibly quiet and smooth. The three driving modes (Eco, City and Power) let you adjust performance based on your needs. Eco mode gives maximum range for long trips, City mode balances performance and efficiency while Power mode gives extra grunt for steep climbs or heavy loads.
The acceleration is surprisingly quick, 0-30 kmph in just 3.7 seconds which is more than enough for city traffic. Top speed varies by mode, up to 60 kmph in Power mode which is plenty for urban use.
Range and Charging
One of the best things about the King EV Max is its 179 km certified range. For most auto drivers who cover 100-120 km daily, this means you can easily complete a full day’s work without running out of juice. It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the peace of mind of not getting stuck mid-route.
Charging is simple with the included 3kW portable charger. 80% charge takes 2 hours 15 minutes and full charge takes 3 hours 30 minutes. You can charge overnight at home or during lunch breaks and maximize your earning potential throughout the day.
Features and Technology
The King EV Max keeps it practical and adds real smart features. SmartXonnect has turn by turn navigation which is super helpful when passengers give you vague directions. You can check charging status remotely, get call notifications safely and even track your vehicle.
The digital instrument cluster gives you all the info at a glance, LED headlights are better than the dim halogen bulbs in older autos. There’s a USB charging port for your phone and a lockable storage box for the charger. These aren’t gimmicks, these are practical features that make daily usage smoother.
Ride and Handling
The King EV Max rides smooth with its hydraulic suspension that absorbs bumps well. The steering is light and responsive, easy to navigate through tight traffic. 31% gradeability means steep flyovers and hilly areas won’t slow you down, hill hold assist prevents embarrassing roll backs on inclines.
The braking setup is drum brakes front and rear, might seem basic but works fine for the vehicle’s weight and speed. 12 inch alloy wheels with radial tubeless tyres provide good grip and stability.
Economics and Running Costs
At Rs 2.95 lakh ex-showroom the King EV Max costs more than a regular auto. But the economics become attractive when you consider the total cost of ownership. With EMIs of Rs 5,700 monthly for 5 years the payments become manageable especially when you factor in fuel savings.
Electric motors need minimal maintenance compared to petrol engines. No oil changes, no spark plug replacements, no emission system hassles. TVS sweetens the deal with 6 year or 1.5 lakh km warranty plus 3 years of free maintenance and roadside assistance.
The OOR Cabs Partnership
Chennai based OOR Cabs is taking a smart approach to this rollout. Instead of dumping all 500 vehicles at once they are adding 20-30 units monthly, starting in Trichy and then expanding to Madurai and Coimbatore. This gradual rollout allows them to train drivers properly and optimize operations before scaling up.
Challenges to Consider
Let’s be realistic about the challenges. Charging infrastructure is still developing, though the portable charger provides flexibility. Some drivers might be hesitant to switch from their familiar petrol autos they can refuel anywhere in minutes.The higher upfront cost might not be feasible for individual buyers, but fleet operators like OOR Cabs can absorb this. Range anxiety though reduced with 179km range will take time for drivers to get over.
Verdict
The TVS King EV Max is a well thought out electric auto that addresses real world concerns of drivers and passengers. Not the cheapest upfront but operational savings, environmental benefits and modern features make it a good option for forward thinking operators.
The partnership with OOR Cabs gives you the operational support to make this transition successful. If you are an auto driver tired of rising fuel costs and engine maintenance headaches or a passenger looking for cleaner, quieter rides, the King EV Max is a glimpse of the future that’s finally here on Indian roads.
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