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New Delhi: After being shown for the first time at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the E3W will now be developed and commercialised together by Hyundai and TVS, who have formally signed a joint development agreement. As part of this agreement, the products, designed particularly as last-mile mobility solutions, will be co-developed by both brands, sharing their engineering expertise.

Hyundai will also lead the vehicles’ design, while the EV platform will be provided by TVS, which already has three-wheeler engineering expertise and deep local market knowledge. 

TVS will also lead local sales, with its manufacturing operation catering to domestic demand and future exports. Both brands have said the products will be catering to the Indian market and demand, and will be launched here first, with India being the world’s biggest three-wheeler market. Both brands are also aiming for a high level of localisation, with major components to be sourced and made locally within India.

Hyundai TVS sign joint development agreement

The E3W concept previously shown took obvious inspiration from India’s ubiquitous auto-rickshaw, but upgraded it with a more modern and capable approach. As opposed to the conventional rickshaw, it came with a wheelbase that is 280mm longer, which resulted in a greatly improved cabin space.

Hyundai has also widened the track by 20mm, while bringing adaptive ground clearance, which aims at tackling waterlogged roads during the monsoon. The concept takes things one step further with a more sophisticated independent rear suspension configuration, improving ride comfort and stability. 

Adding to this futuristic appeal, the front comes with digital display panels that can show messages like those seen on public transport buses, though it isn’t known if this will reach the production stage.

The platform is being made with versatility in mind, allowing for multiple interior setups suited for different use cases, from passenger to cargo transport and even for emergency services. Both partners will focus on extensive testing, localisation and certification so that the vehicle meets Indian regulatory requirements and real-world expectations. There is still no confirmation, however, whether the E4W concept, also displayed at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, will make it to production.

At the centre of this is Hyundai’s aim with E3W, to deliver a very practical, cost-effective mobility solution. It comes into the micro-mobility space with EV powertrains and a focus on affordability, and the brand is looking to establish a foothold in a segment it has not previously explored.