The first all-women electric 3-wheeler rally in India is in progress from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. It was flagged off from Nagpur by Shri Nitin Gadkari as the rally completed over 1600 kilometers in 12 days.
More than fifty women participated in the driver onboarding program at Nagpur’s Zero Mile Point. Conducted by ETO Motors, the program trains women to become electric 3-wheeler drivers, offering them sustainable livelihoods. The ETOwali/SheAuto rally generated excitement in the city and is poised to transform the landscape for women e3W drivers in Nagpur, providing them with viable career opportunities.
As a strategy to encourage women drivers, ETO Motors has introduced its DRIVE-TO-OWN and DRIVE-TO-RENT Scheme. Under this initiative, ETO Motors recruits driver partners who receive benefits such as unlimited charging at designated EV charging points, complimentary vehicle maintenance, and driver partner insurance, all provided by ETO Motors. After partnering with ETO Motors for 36 months, drivers have the option to become vehicle owners by paying a predetermined value.
“ETOwali/ #SheAuto” marks India’s pioneering all-women rally, featuring an 8-member crew traversing 3333 kilometers in 30 days, driving electric 3-wheelers, a motorcycle, and an SUV. Sponsored by ETO Motors, SIDBI, Trinity Cleantech Pvt. Ltd., Saera KETO, and MOWO Social Initiatives, the rally promotes electric vehicles and underscores electric 3-wheelers as an ideal avenue for women seeking sustainable livelihoods.
Along with State Transport and Women Welfare Ministries, the “ETOwali/SheAuto” program organizes tailored workshops to empower women interested in pursuing e3W driving as a sustainable career path. Aimed at recruiting over a thousand women and providing training for e3W driving as a livelihood option, these workshops are attracting significant interest. They play a critical role in raising awareness about EVs and empowering women to become micro-entrepreneurs by offering flexible working hours and increased earning potential.
The ETOwali/SheAuto rally is equipped with the Saera KETO Trilux Next e3W, known for its strong build and impressive range of 140 kilometers on a single charge. Manufactured at Saera KETO’s facilities in Jadcherla (Telangana) and Bawal (Haryana), these vehicles feature advanced design and innovative technologies such as Fast Charge technology, a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), and premium safety and comfort amenities for both drivers and passengers. Saera Keto is a collaboration between KETO Motors, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETO Motors, and Saera Electric, a well-known EV manufacturer.
Trinity Cleantech Pvt. Ltd., a prominent Charge Point Operator and a subsidiary of ETO Motors Group, reaffirms its dedication to advancing EV adoption. Through its #HarGharThunder initiative, Trinity Cleantech installs electric charge points at homes in rural and urban areas, empowering women with income opportunities. Select women receive the Thunder Lite 3.3 KW AC Charger free of charge, instantly making them entrepreneurs and integrating them into the EV community.
The ETOwali/SheAuto initiative is supported by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) through its #ShEAuto program. SIDBI’s Mission 50K-EV4ECO aims to bolster the EV ecosystem by facilitating financing for electric vehicles, including e3Ws, and enhancing charging infrastructure, including battery swapping facilities.
SIDBI has initiated two financing schemes: Direct lending to MSMEs and lending to NBFCs. Through direct lending, SIDBI provides loans to eligible MSMEs and EV ecosystem players for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure development, including battery swapping. The indirect scheme supports small NBFCs that provide EV financing by offering refinance facilities.
#ShEAuto aims to promote environmental awareness, particularly among women, by sensitizing them to EVs, circular economy principles, energy efficiency, and solar adoption.
