Zuperia Auto Pvt. Ltd, the rebranded corporate identity of the company long known for its dominance in India’s e-rickshaw market under the Lohia brand, has unveiled its flagship electric three-wheeler (E3W) passenger vehicle, the Youdha EPOD, marking a decisive strategic shift into the high-growth E3W passenger segment.
The EPOD, a three-seater model, enters the fast-growing L5 electric passenger category, currently dominated by incumbents such as Mahindra, TVS, and Bajaj. Designed to balance performance, comfort, and durability, the EPOD is positioned to capture a share of a market estimated at nearly ₹90 lakh crore, driven by demand for affordable and sustainable last-mile mobility.
Unveiling the company’s new brand architecture, CEO Ayush Lohia clarified that the Lohia marque will continue as a premium offering, while the Youdha brand will serve mass-market customers. “We have not closed the Lohia brand; this is a strategic brand architecture decision. Youdha is designed to be vibrant, relatable and connected to the mass market, while Lohia continues to serve as a premium offering,” Lohia said.
Beyond the EPOD, the Youdha portfolio includes electric cargo loaders, garbage disposal vehicles, and municipal service models, developed in collaboration with urban local bodies and corporations for sustainable waste management and logistics solutions.
Zuperia’s Kashipur (Uttarakhand) manufacturing facility, with an annual capacity of one lakh vehicles, is undergoing modernization with additional capital infusion to scale production, enhance efficiency, and spur product innovation.
The company, which already commands a significant share of the e-rickshaw segment with more than 12 variants, has set an ambitious target of ₹1,000 crore revenue by 2030 through its dual-brand strategy and deeper penetration into both B2B and B2C markets.
However, analysts caution that despite the strong potential of the E3W passenger segment, challenges such as buyer financing, limited charging infrastructure, and the need for durable India-specific engineering remain.
Acknowledging these hurdles, Lohia emphasized an ecosystem-based approach. “The challenge is not just making an electric vehicle – it’s about creating an ecosystem around it. Our goal is to deliver products that address operational realities, be it battery life, load capacity, or durability in Indian conditions,” he added.
With the launch of the Youdha EPOD and its expanding municipal and cargo vehicle portfolio, Zuperia Auto Pvt. Ltd is positioning itself to compete head-on with entrenched players and steer the next phase of growth in India’s E3W market.
