In a big step towards making electric delivery easier in India, Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company have received a patent for their small electric commercial vehicle (CV) idea. This shows that both companies are serious about looking at and possibly changing how things are moved around cities in a clean way.
The working together of these companies was first shown at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. They presented two idea electric vehicles: a three-wheeled CV with a handlebar (e3W Idea) and a four-wheeled CV with a steering wheel (e4W Idea). Now, it’s confirmed that Hyundai has gotten a design patent in India for the e3W Idea.
e3W Idea: A New Look for City Travel
The patented e3W Idea from Hyundai is thought of as a small vehicle good for moving around the tight and often crowded streets of Indian cities. The idea has some new features, such as:
- Adjustable Height: One important feature is the ability to change how high it sits off the ground. This would help the vehicle drive through streets filled with water, which is common during the rainy season in many parts of India.
- Better Design: It has a slanted front window, a flat floor, and a longer distance between the front and back wheels. This means more legroom and could make the ride smoother. Bigger tires, maybe around 14 inches, are also part of the design for better comfort.
- Driver Comfort and Ease: The idea includes a simple display showing important information, a place in the middle of the handlebar to hold a phone for directions, a small fan to cool the driver, and even a built-in umbrella for unexpected rain.
Working Together: Hyundai Designs, TVS Makes?
Even though Hyundai got the patent, it seems that the plan with TVS Motor is for Hyundai to handle the design and creation, while TVS would take care of making and selling the vehicles. However, it’s important to know that no official agreements have been signed yet, and both companies are still exploring this partnership.
Chances of Production and Where it Fits in the Market
The patented design looks quite new and has many features. This makes some people think that the version that is actually made might be simpler to keep costs down and compete with other electric three-wheelers already on the market.
Hyundai has called both the e3W and e4W ideas “Micro Mobility,” which shows they are meant to help with the last part of delivery. The e3W idea, as it’s patented, looks like it could be a roomier, safer, and more efficient choice compared to regular auto-rickshaws.
What This Means for India’s Electric Vehicle Market
This patent filing shows that Hyundai really wants to enter the growing market for small electric vehicles in India. With TVS Motor already having a strong presence and ability to make two-wheelers and three-wheelers, this possible team-up could speed up the use of electric delivery vehicles for the final part of transportation.
The Indian market is quickly moving towards electric vehicles, especially for three-wheelers, where many of the new ones sold are already electric. The arrival of big companies like Hyundai, working with a well-known Indian company like TVS, could create more competition and lead to new ideas in this area.
While we don’t know exactly when they will start making and selling these vehicles, this patent is an important step forward. It shows that Hyundai and TVS are serious about looking at clean and efficient ways to move things around that are designed for India. This fits with the growing focus on reducing traffic in cities and using more eco-friendly ways to travel across the country.