Zuperia Auto drives into L5 passenger EV market with Youdha EPOD

The Epod, available in three-seater, enters the L5 electric passenger category – one of the fastest-growing EV sub-segments – where incumbents like Mahindra, TVS and Bajaj are already active. Designed for performance, comfort and reliability, the Epod is positioned to capture a significant share of the market, buoyed by rising demand for clean, affordable last-mile mobility.

Zuperia Auto’s new brand architecture retains the Lohia marque as a premium offering while positioning Youdha as a vibrant, mass-market name. “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,” said Ayush Lohia, CEO, Zuperia Auto Pvt Ltd.

Beyond the Epod, Youdha’s portfolio includes electric cargo loaders, garbage disposal vehicles and municipal service models, with the company working closely with urban local bodies and corporations to supply sustainable waste management and logistics solutions. Zuperia’s manufacturing facility in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, with an annual capacity of one lakh vehicles, is being modernised with additional capital infusion to boost output, efficiency and product innovation.

The company, which currently controls a large share of the e-rickshaw market with over 12+ variants models, is targeting Rs 1000 crore in revenue by 2030 through its dual-pronged brand strategy, aggressive product rollout, and deeper market penetration in both B2B and B2C segments. Industry analysts note that while the E3W passenger segment offers significant growth potential, manufacturers face challenges including financing access for buyers, charging infrastructure gaps and the need for durable, India-specific engineering.

According to Lohia, the company’s approach combines product diversification with ecosystem building. “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 said.

With the Epod launch and a growing municipal and cargo portfolio, Zuperia Auto Pvt Ltd is positioning itself to take on entrenched players and lead the next phase of growth in India’s E3W market.