Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company have officially entered into a partnership to develop and manufacture electric three-wheelers for India. The two companies have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to jointly work on electric three-wheeler (E3W) solutions tailored for Indian conditions, with plans to expand into other global markets as well. The idea of a jointly developed three-wheeler dates back to 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair discussed the possibility at the India-Korea Business Forum. After multiple rounds of discussions, the plan has now materialised with the signing of a Joint Development Agreement at the 2026 Korea-India Business Forum.The collaboration follows the unveiling of an E3W concept at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, and now moves into the production phase. Under this agreement, Hyundai will lead the design and co-development of the product, leveraging its global R&D capabilities and human-centric design philosophy. TVS Motor, on the other hand, will contribute its expertise in electric mobility and three-wheeler platforms, while also handling manufacturing and sales operations in India.
The upcoming electric three-wheeler will be engineered specifically for India’s unique mobility challenges, including varying road conditions and high urban density. It is expected to feature solutions such as adaptive ground clearance for rough and waterlogged roads, improved safety systems, better thermal management for tropical climates, and flexible cabin configurations suited for passenger as well as cargo applications. A key highlight of the partnership is its strong focus on localisation. Both companies aim to source and manufacture major components within India, which is expected to reduce costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure quicker service and parts availability. The move is also likely to support job creation and strengthen the domestic EV ecosystem. The project now enters the development and testing phase, with both companies setting up dedicated teams to fast-track production readiness and regulatory approvals. Once ready, the new electric three-wheeler will be introduced in India first (currently the world’s largest three-wheeler market) before being considered for other regions.
