Euler Motors has made a mark with its electric three-wheelers. Further expanding its reach, the company has ventured into the four-wheeler light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the introduction of the Storm EV in response to the growing demand for electric LCVs in India.
Available in two variants: the T1250, designed for intra-city operations, and the LongRange 200, which is aimed at inter-city logistics, both variants boast a payload capacity of 1,250 kg, aligning with the requirements of small and medium enterprises.
Design & Build
The Storm EV looks excellent in the flesh. Built on a modular skateboard platform with a tubular box-type chassis, the EV ensures structural integrity and flexibility in its offered body configurations. The T1250 variant offers body length options of 8.2 feet to accommodate capacities of 220 and 260 cubic feet. The LongRange 200 is extended to a 10-foot body for a larger capacity of 330 cubic feet. Both variants are equipped with an 8-leaf rear suspension system for better load-bearing capabilities and ride comfort. The armoured version of the T1250 includes a reinforced 4 mm chassis, catering to the transportation of heavier dense payload. We also noticed that the ingress and egress are a bit troublesome for taller drivers.
Driving Experience
It actually drives well; powered by a 30 kW liquid-cooled battery, the Storm EV delivers a peak torque of 140 Nm, pushing it towards a top speed of 70 kmph. The T1250 variant claims a real-world range of approximately 140 km, while the LongRange 200 extends this to around 200 km. It does have driving modes, Range, Thunder, and Rhino, which provide adaptability to various driving conditions, from city traffic to even hilly terrains. The notable bit is the steering, which is very light and will make city driving an absolute breeze.
The inclusion of vacuum-assisted power brakes and regenerative braking systems contributes to efficient and safe driving. However, we would prefer a stronger bite from the brakes, something that the team can work on. Also, the mirrors definitely need a redesign, which we were promised is in the works.
Charging options include a 3.3 kW charger, taking about 6 hours for a full charge, and a 6.6 kW charger, reducing this to 4 hours. Fast-charging capabilities allow for a 100 km range addition in 30 minutes for the T1250 and 15 minutes for the LongRange 200.
Cabin Comfort
The cabin is designed with driver comfort in mind. It features comfy sleeping seats with headrests and optional air conditioning. Central to the experience is the 10.2-inch infotainment system with integrated navigation, entertainment, night vision and vehicle diagnostics. These features are further enhanced by MapMyIndia navigation and built-in WhatsApp support to facilitate efficient route planning and communication. Euler Motors provides 1 GB of daily data for drivers.
Safety Features
Safety is what made the Storm EV proposition very attractive. The integration of camera-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is a first in India's commercial EV segment. The level-1 ADAS includes front and rear collision alerts, night vision assist and a digital lock system to prevent cargo theft. The Shepherd App allows real-time vehicle tracking, maintenance alerts, and access to nearby charging stations, enhancing operational efficiency and security for fleet operators and drivers.
Market Positioning
The T1250 pricing starts at INR 8.99 lakh, while the LongRange 200 is available from INR 12.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). These pricing strategies position the Storm EV as a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine LCVs. However it has to be noted that other manufacturers offer more affordable options in the segment. There are features not yet offered in competitive products, but then the competition also has stronger brand presence across the country. Euler offers a standard warranty of 5 years or 1.5 lakh km, with an extended warranty option of 7 years or 2 lakh km.
Storm EV combines practical design, get-go performance, comfort, and safety features. These are quickly becoming the core needs of urban and inter-city logistics operators. While the transition from three-wheelers to four-wheelers presents challenges, Euler Motors' approach with the Storm EV is on point meeting market demands with thoughtful engineering and customer-centric solutions. The question is how to expand its brand presence and propagate the benefits of ADAS to its customers to leverage its advantage.
Photography: Mohd Nasir
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