Alektra Metro

Battery and motor

The Alektra Metro is a small battery-electric city vehicle, technically an L7e quadricycle, offered with three lithium battery packs: 7.2 kWh, 10.8 kWh and 12.96 kWh. Claimed ranges are about 80–100 km, 130–140 km and 170–180 km respectively. It uses a single-speed automatic with simple R, N and D selection, and its claimed top speed is only 45–50 km/h, so it is designed for city streets, not highways or motorways. Charging is done from a normal 220V household socket and takes roughly 5 to 7 hours depending on battery size. Published motor figures differ between sources, so we have not listed a power rating.

Size and practicality

At 2,450 mm long, 1,250 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, the Metro is much smaller than a Suzuki Alto, which makes parking and squeezing through traffic easy. It seats four people. Ground clearance is listed at 120 mm and it rides on 10-inch wheels with 120/90 R10 tyres, so speed breakers and broken roads need care. Boot space has not been published.

Equipment by variant

All versions are reported to share the same basic equipment: air conditioning with a heater, a multimedia system with Bluetooth, a remote key with remote start, central locking, front power windows, alloy wheels, a reverse camera, an anti-theft alarm, regenerative braking and a digital instrument cluster. The 2-door and 4-door bodies differ mainly in how easily rear passengers get in and out. The Solar 4-door adds a roof-mounted solar panel which, according to the company’s reported claims, can add around 50–60 km of range in good sunshine. No variant has airbags.

Warranty and buying

Alektra is reported to give a 2-year warranty on the battery and motor, with sales and after-sales handled through its own network. At launch, bookings required 20% of the invoice price and delivery was quoted at around 90 days; current listings mention about four months.

Which variant to buy

Our opinion: the 4-door with the 10.8 kWh battery is the most sensible choice. The rear doors make daily family use much easier, and the claimed 130–140 km range gives a comfortable buffer for several days of short commutes without charging every night. The 7.2 kWh battery is the cheapest way in but leaves little margin once the air conditioner is running. Each Solar version costs Rs 50,000 more than the matching 4-door; it only makes sense if the car will be parked in direct sun every day. Anyone who needs to leave the city, use main highways or wants airbag protection should look at a conventional small car instead.