30th May 2023, India: Zen Mobility, an emerging Indian Electric Vehicle OEM, situated at Manesar, Gurgaon (Haryana), today introduced the Zen Micro Pod, a purpose-built cargo 3-wheeler LEV (Light Electric Vehicle), as part of its goal to create inspirational designs and engineering innovations in electric vehicles.
The Zen Micro Pod will be available in two variants – the R5x and R10x. With a maximum payload of 150 kilograms, the Zen Micro Pod surpasses conventional 2 wheelers’ load carrying capacity by 2.5 times. The vehicle operates at a minimal running cost, consuming only 4 units of electricity with a charging time of approx. 1.5 – 2 hrs. The lightweight technology used in the Zen Micro Pod requires less motor power to generate the same output, saving on battery costs and reducing cost-per-delivery. Its compact, ergonomic design provides comfort and convenience for riders, making it easy to navigate through busy urban streets while delivering a smooth riding experience. The vehicle’s braking system has been designed with rider safety in mind, ensuring smooth and effective braking in all situations.
The Zen Micro Pod includes a distinct cargo box that can be customised to meet individual requirements, featuring shelves, refrigerated boxes, open tubs, and more. These storage units are equipped with a secure locking mechanism to prevent theft or pilferage. Additionally, the Pod’s patented drive-train and vehicle telematics provide fleet companies with efficient fleet management capabilities, including vehicle tracking, state of charge monitoring, geofencing, and remote locking. The Zen Micro Pod presents a cost-effective solution, surpassing even the lower cost per delivery and total cost of ownership when compared to traditional delivery methods such as bikes. This affordability makes it an attractive option for logistics companies and their operators, offering them a win-win situation. By choosing the Zen Micro Pod, logistics companies can reduce their operational expenses while improving overall efficiency.
The standout features of the Zen Micro Pod is its strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and durability. The vehicle has been meticulously designed to prioritize the well-being of its operators and ensure secure transportation of goods. With advanced safety features and robust construction, the Zen Micro Pod instills confidence in both operators and logistics companies, enhancing overall trust and peace of mind. Furthermore, the Zen Micro Pod is built to withstand various operational challenges, making it a long-lasting and dependable solution. It has undergone rigorous testing of 1,50,000 km across diverse terrains and weather conditions, proving its ability to perform consistently in demanding environments. This durability translates into reduced maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for the vehicle, providing logistics companies with a reliable and sustainable transportation solution.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Namit Jain, Founder and CEO, Zen Mobility said that “We are excited to announce the launch of our latest product, the Zen Micro Pod, a 1st ever purpose-built three-wheeler Light Electric Vehicle in India. This innovative and compact design is set to revolutionize the last-mile delivery space with its efficient performance. We have also collaborated with renowned leasing and rental companies, as well as fleet and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure seamless deployment of the Zen Micro Pod, which can be leased or rented monthly, with fees of up to INR 9,999 determined by factors such as lease type, tenure, and other considerations. As an organisation, we are committed to creating a positive impact on urban mobility by offering responsible mobility solutions that cater to the needs of society and enhance productivity while minimizing carbon footprint and overall cost of ownership. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the supply and demand gap of EVs in last-mile delivery and provide effective fleet management solutions that we feel will excite the E-commerce and fleet companies. The Zen Micro Pod is a significant step towards achieving this objective.”
Zen Mobility is focused on serving the B2B market, specifically for last mile deliveries. The customer base includes third party logistics providers, last mile service providers, e-commerce, and grocery delivery companies. The company has already received 10,000 orders from several enterprises and has established a production line in Manesar with a capacity of 100,000 vehicles annually. Mass production is set to begin in June ’23, and the company has a facility to meet higher market demands.
Furthermore, Zen Mobility is dedicated to enhancing income prospects for delivery riders while simultaneously facilitating effective and efficient fleet management for e-commerce and fleet operators. The company is also committed to supporting the nation’s growth by promoting the transition of ICE vehicles to green mobility, thereby contributing to India’s net-zero goal by 2070. Zen Mobility previously received the ARAI Certificate of Conformity for the Zen Micro Pod. Zen Mobility’s successful attainment of the ARAI certification stands as compelling evidence of its comprehensive testing and evaluation achievements. This includes rigorous performance assessments, compliance verification, and robust on-road testing. With the esteemed ARAI Certificate of Conformity in its possession, Zen Mobility ensures compliance with India’s automotive industry regulations while establishing its credibility and unwavering commitment to manufacturing excellence. The company has also announced the development of a multi-purpose 4-wheeler LEV known as the Zen Maxi Pod, intended for the delivery of cargo and mid-to-large size goods. The 4-wheeler Maxi vehicle will feature a flatbed skateboard platform, providing superior cargo space compared to existing commercial vehicles deployed in the Last Mile Delivery segment, resulting in improved operational efficiencies. While the launch is scheduled for FY25, prototypes are presently in the works, and customer trials are anticipated to begin in Q3 FY24.
