Best Passenger Auto Rickshaw for City Use in India: Fuel Type & Models

Choosing the right passenger auto rickshaw for city runs directly affects daily earnings, fuel expense, and long-term reliability. In Indian cities, passenger autos are available in CNG, Petrol, Diesel, and Electric. Each fuel type suits a different kind of city operation. This guide explains which one makes sense today and which models are worth considering.

CNG Passenger Auto Rickshaws: Best Overall Choice

CNG autos are the most practical option for city passenger transport where CNG stations are available. They offer a good balance between running cost, durability and ease of maintenance. Fuel cost is significantly lower than petrol and diesel and engines generally last longer with fewer issues.

CNG autos are widely accepted under city pollution norms, which helps with registration and permits. Mechanics and spare parts are easily available in most cities.

Recommended passenger models

• Bajaj RE CNG
• TVS King CNG
• Piaggio Ape City CNG

For metro and Tier-1 cities, CNG remains the safest and most proven option.

Petrol Passenger Auto Rickshaws: Only for Limited Use

Petrol autos are cheaper to buy and have better pickup, but high fuel cost makes them unsuitable for long daily city runs. As fuel prices rise, profit margins reduce quickly.

Some cities are also limiting new petrol registrations for commercial autos. Petrol autos work only when daily distance is low or when CNG and EV options are not available.

Common passenger models

• TVS King Deluxe
• Bajaj RE Petrol

Petrol should be considered a short-term or fallback option.

Diesel Passenger Auto Rickshaws: Restricted but Powerful

Diesel autos are known for strong engines and good mileage under heavy usage. However, due to emission norms, many cities no longer allow new diesel passenger auto registrations.

Where permitted, diesel autos can still handle long hours of city driving, but noise, vibration, and regulatory uncertainty make them a risky choice today.

Older passenger models

• Bajaj RE Diesel
• Piaggio Ape City Diesel

Diesel is only suitable in cities where it is still legally allowed.

Electric Passenger Auto Rickshaws: Lowest Running Cost

Electric autos are becoming common in many cities. They have no fuel cost, low maintenance, and are ideal for stop-and-go city traffic. For drivers with access to home or depot charging, EVs offer the highest long-term savings.

Charging time and battery replacement cost need planning, but overall operating cost remains much lower than fuel autos.

Reliable passenger models

• Mahindra Treo
• Mahindra Treo Plus
• Piaggio Ape E-City

Final Recommendation

• Best overall: CNG passenger auto
• Best for future savings: Electric passenger auto
• Avoid if possible: Petrol and Diesel (for city use)

Choosing a 3 wheeler based on your city’s fuel availability and rules will matter more than the brand alone. If you are choosing CNG, make sure there are enough CNG stations in the area where you will operate.

If you are choosing electric auto, it is wise to ensure that there are charging stations available. Choose petrol if emission norms are strict in your area and CNG stations and electric charging stations are not available. Only choose diesel if you operate in an area where you need good pulling power and high torque.