Astro Motors has officially entered the L5 electric vehicle segment with the launch of two products, the Navya for cargo applications and the Nova for passenger transport. The Astro Navya positions itself as India's first geared electric cargo three-wheeler, addressing issues that drivers and fleet operators frequently face with conventional EVs. The inclusion of a gearbox, paired with a high-performance motor and battery system, is designed to improve vehicle behaviour under load, in stop-start urban traffic, and on difficult terrains including hilly routes. This geared approach, still uncommon in EV three-wheelers, could potentially deliver improved torque distribution, battery longevity and higher payload flexibility, which are critical factors for last-mile logistics.
In the passenger space, the Astro Nova has been developed to offer a more refined auto rickshaw experience for both riders and drivers. Larger in proportions and more focused on cabin comfort, it attempts to break away from the bare-bones formula of existing autorickshaws, seeking instead to mirror the experience of more premium shared mobility options. The campaign “Auto ka SUV” might be a light-hearted comparison, but it signals an intent to appeal to urban mobility users who expect more space and comfort from public or semi-private transport.
Vitan Jagada, Founder and CEO, Astro Motors, stated that the Navya is ready for immediate rollout with deliveries beginning shortly, while the Nova is undergoing homologation for a planned July launch. The company is also preparing to enter the L3 segment by October and plans to showcase a modular four-wheeler skateboard chassis by early FY2026. This scalable platform, fully owned by Astro, is being positioned not only as a basis for future vehicles but as a licensable asset for other OEMs, indicating a broader business ambition beyond manufacturing.
Current operational dealerships include Ampere EV in Jammu, Hunddekkari Motors in Pune, and JJ Patel in Bhavnagar. Five more dealerships are set to be added in major urban clusters including Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh. On the finance side, partnerships with MUFIN Greenfinance, RiseWise Capital, and Perpetuity Capital are in place to support vehicle purchase schemes across the country.
The company is also eyeing international opportunities in emerging markets across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, recognising similarities in transport needs with the Indian market.
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