Piaggio introduces a battery subscription model for its e-3W • EVreporter

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL),a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, has announced a“Battery Subscription Model”for its Apé Elektrik electric 3Ws. The program aims to ease e-3W ownership by separating the upfront cost of the vehicle from the battery. Customers can now purchase the Apé Elektrik for INR 2.59 lakhs (ex-showroom) and subscribe to a Piaggio-approved battery pack for a monthly fee leased through the dealership without worrying about battery maintenance, lifespan, or replacement costs.

Piaggio said it is taking full responsibility for battery health, offering peace of mind for long-term EV ownership.

Subscription Model Details

· Customers purchase the Apé Elektrik chassis directly from dealerships for INR 2.59 lakhs (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

· The battery is provided to the customer at the dealership for a monthly rent.

· The vehicle chassis and powertrain are registered in the customer’s name, allowing for loans with hypothecation on the chassis and powertrain through NBFCs.

Subscription Tenure and Benefits

· The battery lease term is 120,000 kilometres or 8 years for cargo vehicles and 150,000 kilometres or 8 years for passenger vehicles.

· After reaching the designated mileage, the monthly rent is reduced to INR 0.

· The subscription includes battery replacements at the same rental amount after the initial lease term.

Initial Availability and Expansion Plans

The battery subscription model will be launched in 30 cities:

The subscription model requires no additional documentation from customers and, if desired, allows them to unsubscribe from the program or sell their vehicle at any time like a regular buy.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD of Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, said, “Piaggio India has a long history of prioritizing customer satisfaction through innovative products and solutions. The industry-first ‘Battery Subscription Model’ removes another barrier to EV adoption by addressing battery concerns and offering a cost-effective ownership option. We are confident this model will sustain EV growth in a post-subsidy environment. “

Adding his views, Mr Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President – CV Domestic Business at Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, said, “Customer can now own an electric 3W at a downpayment of just INR 30,000 and an EMI of INR 8,000 per month which makes it as easy to own as compared to 3W CNG. Battery Subscription model will bring in a new wave of EV adoption in the industry. Our initial interaction with channel partners and consumer makes us believe that we have a winner. We believe that the model will also continue the EV adoption in a post-subsidy world, ensuring that customers and manufacturers get the best from the massive EV opportunity.”