The right e-rickshaw charger depends on one thing above everything else: the battery. A charger built for a lead-acid pack will not charge a lithium-ion pack properly, and the other way round. Match the charger to the battery's chemistry, voltage and connector, and charge on a safe, dedicated supply. Get that right and most e-rickshaw charging problems disappear.
How e-rickshaw charging works
Most e-rickshaws in India run on a 48 V battery pack, with some on 60 V. They charge in one of two ways:
• With an offboard charger. A separate charger plugs into a wall socket and into the vehicle. This is the most common setup, especially for lead-acid batteries.
• At a DC charging point. A low-voltage DC charger built for light electric vehicles charges the battery directly through a standard connector. This is faster and suits lithium-ion e-rickshaws in fleets.
Either way, the charger has to speak the battery's language: the right voltage, the right charging profile, and for lithium-ion, communication with the battery management system (BMS).
Lead-acid vs lithium-ion: why battery type decides your charger
Lead-acid batteries are still common in e-rickshaws because they cost less upfront.
• They charge slowly, usually overnight
• They need a charger with a lead-acid charging profile
• Their life drops quickly if they are undercharged, overcharged or deeply discharged
Lithium-ion batteries are taking over in newer and fleet e-rickshaws.
• They charge faster and tolerate partial top-ups during the day
• They last more charge cycles
• They need a lithium-compatible charger, and in fleets, often a DC charger that talks to the BMS
Never use a lead-acid charger on a lithium-ion pack, or a charger built for a different voltage. It is the fastest way to damage a battery or start a fire.
How long does an e-rickshaw take to charge?
It depends on the battery and the charger:
• Lead-acid on an offboard charger: typically several hours, so most drivers charge overnight
• Lithium-ion on an offboard charger: usually faster than lead-acid
• Lithium-ion on a DC charger: fast enough for top-ups between shifts, which keeps vehicles earning
Your battery maker's manual gives the exact time and the maximum charging current. Stay within it.
Setting up an e-rickshaw charging station
If you run a fleet, a dealership or a charging point for drivers, a proper charging station pays for itself in fewer fires, fewer dead batteries and fewer disputes over electricity. Plan for:
• A dedicated, earthed supply. No shared sockets, extension boards or illegal hooking.
• The right sanctioned load. Several e-rickshaws charging at night add up. Your DISCOM may also offer a separate tariff for EV charging connections.
• Chargers matched to your fleet. Group vehicles by battery type and connector.
• Protection. Earth fault, over voltage, under voltage and surge protection at every charging point.
• Metering and billing. If drivers pay per charge, per-session metering ends arguments about who used how much.
• Ventilation and space. Keep charging areas dry, ventilated and clear of anything flammable.
Kazam options for e-rickshaws and three-wheelers
Kazam Zap Pro: DC charging for lithium-ion three-wheelers and two-wheelers
• Power options from 3 kW to 8 kW, in single or dual gun versions
• Type 6, Type 7 and Chogori connectors
• Working voltage of 25 to 58.8 V, for low-voltage light EV battery packs
• IP54 enclosure and 10 levels of safety
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G connectivity with live monitoring
• Built for fleet, public and commercial charging points
Kazam Zip Mini: a safe socket for e-rickshaws that use an offboard charger
• Smart EV charging socket that supports two-, three- and four-wheelers
• Won't charge without proper earthing; earth fault, voltage and surge protection built in
• QR code or RFID access, useful when several drivers share charging points
For fleets with many chargers, Kazam CMS adds monitoring, per-session billing and load balancing across every charging point.
Frequently asked questions
Which charger is used for an e-rickshaw?
An e-rickshaw uses a charger matched to its battery's chemistry and voltage, usually 48 V. Lead-acid e-rickshaws use an offboard charger; lithium-ion ones can also use a light-EV DC charger with a compatible connector.
Can I charge a lithium-ion e-rickshaw battery with a lead-acid charger?
No. The charging profiles are different, and using the wrong charger can damage the battery or cause a fire.
How long does it take to charge an e-rickshaw?
Lead-acid batteries usually charge overnight. Lithium-ion batteries charge faster, and a DC charger allows quick top-ups between shifts. Check your battery maker's manual for exact times.
How do I set up an e-rickshaw charging station?
Get a dedicated, earthed supply with enough sanctioned load, choose chargers that match your vehicles' batteries and connectors, add electrical protection at each point, and meter each session if drivers pay.
Is it safe to charge an e-rickshaw from a household socket?
Only if the socket is on a dedicated, properly earthed circuit rated for continuous load. Shared sockets and extension boards are a common cause of charging fires.
Set up e-rickshaw charging with Kazam
Running a three-wheeler fleet or a charging point for drivers? Contact Kazam to plan chargers, load and billing for your site.
