Tiny Titans of Traffic: Hyundai's Electric Micro-Mobility Revolution
Image Credit: Hyundai.
I've seen a lot of wild ideas in my decades in the automotive, aero, and maritime worlds. But these new electric micro-mobility contraptions from Hyundai unveiled at India's Bharat Mobility Expo, have tickled my fancy like a feather duster on a funny bone. They're so small, they make a Smart car look like a stretch limo. But don't let their size deceive you – these little runabouts could revolutionize urban transport, especially in the bustling streets of India.
Hyundai, in cahoots with TVS, the two-wheeler titan, has cooked up two electrifying concepts: the E4W car and the E3W rickshaw. I know, a three-wheeled electric rickshaw sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But these are next-level, designed with practicality and affordability in mind. SangYup Lee, the design guru at Hyundai, says they're aiming to "reimagine the iconic three-wheeler." Which, if you ask me, is a bit like putting a tuxedo on a garden gnome. But I'm all for a bit of whimsy.
Both vehicles sport a minimalist design, all clean lines and simple shapes. But we shouldn't mistake simplicity for lack of cleverness, because these micro-mobiles are smart and packed with nifty features. They use recycled plastics and flat panels, which makes them cheap to produce and easy to repair. Imagine the savings! You could probably fix a fender bender with duct tape and a prayer.
They've also got grab handles built into the side pillars and fold-out steps for easy access to the roof – perfect for hauling your groceries or, I don't know, a small elephant. The windshields are angled for better visibility, and the long wheelbases and flat floors mean more legroom. And they've even thought about safety, with "enhanced collision protection." I hope there's more to it than just fancy words, because in a tiny car like this, you're basically driving a crumple zone.
Image Credit: Hyundai.
The E4W is still a concept, but it's got some intriguing features. The interior looks surprisingly spacious, with the battery tucked away under the front seats. In the back, there's a bench seat and a pegboard for mounting accessories like a sanitizer, a fan, or an umbrella holder. In India, you never know when you might need an umbrella – it could be sunny one minute and raining cats and dogs the next.
But the real star of the show is the E3W rickshaw. Hyundai seems particularly keen on getting this one into production. They've even consulted with actual rickshaw drivers to find out what they want. Smart move, Hyundai. Who knows more about rickshaws than the people who drive them all day?
The E3W is longer and taller than your average rickshaw, which makes getting in and out a whole lot easier. The driver's seat is designed for maximum comfort, so they don't have to spend all day hunched over like a question mark. There are cup holders, phone chargers, and plenty of storage space. And get this – it's even designed to reduce rattling and passenger discomfort. That is a major selling point for anyone who's ever ridden in a rickshaw on a bumpy road.
But the most impressive feature is the foldable bench seat and the built-in ramp for wheelchairs. This makes the E3W accessible to everyone - a huge step forward. As Lee pointed out, accessibility is the key to the last mile of mobility. It's about time someone thought about that.
Image Credit: Hyundai.
Hyundai hasn't revealed the specs for either vehicle yet, but they're promising that the E3W will be priced competitively with existing e-rickshaws. TVS's own e-rickshaw, the King EV Max, costs around $3,410, has a range of 111 miles, and a top speed of 37 mph. So, we can expect something similar from Hyundai.
I'm excited to see these micro-mobility marvels hit the streets. They're practical, affordable, and they will make a real difference in the lives of millions of people. And did I mention they're just plain adorable? They are the cute puppies of the automotive world. A bit square, sure, but who doesn't love puppies?
