Mahindra Alfa Passenger DX vs Montra Electric Super Auto: Comparison Review

With India turning towards cleaner urban mobility, three-wheelers are at the forefront of short-distance intercity travel. Of the passenger vehicles in the market in the three wheeler category, two stand out: Mahindra Alfa Passenger DX and Montra Electric Super Auto- one diesel, the other electric. This review compares the two in terms of their performance, efficiency, cost and urban readiness. 

1. Powertrain and Performance

The Mahindra Alfa DX is powered by a 597cc diesel engine that produces 9.4 hp power and 23.5 Nm of torque. This combination makes it a good option for covering distances slightly longer than the usual route covered by autos. The Montra Electric Super Auto, by contrast, has a Li-ion battery and a 3.5 kW electric motor that delivers more torque on the spot which is an obvious benefit in heavy traffic.

The diesel engine can sometimes feel slower and sluggish but the electric motor, however, can spin in no time. 

2. Range and Refueling

Range makes them distinctly different. The Alfa Passenger DX on a full tank gives up to 350 km, whereas the Montra Electric has a range of 150 km per charge. The Super Auto charges in 4-5 hours using a normal charger but fast-charging facilities will cut downtime even further. 

Although diesel provides range convenience, electric balances it with reduced operating expenses and improved uptime for short-shifting operations.

3. Cost of Ownership

At the outset, Mahindra Alfa DX is cheaper, with a base price of approximately ₹2.9 lakh. Montra Electric Super Auto, which starts from ₹3.8 lakh, is initially more expensive by quite a margin. But with operating expenses in the picture, the equation comes to a balance and in the long run could prove to be cheaper than the diesel. Diesel fuel costs, frequency of maintenance and engine wear contribute to Alfa's life cycle cost. The electric variant, however, enjoys subsidies from the government, low maintenance and ₹0.50/km average running expense. For everyday urban use below 150 km, electric offers better ROI over 2-3 years.

4. Comfort and Build

Both vehicles value comfort but in contrasting manners. The Alfa DX boasts a tough steel body. In the front, it has Coil Spring and telescopic hydraulic suspension, in the rear it gets a Rubber spring, telescopic hydraulic shock absorber and conventional seating, which is the best for semi-urban travel. The Montra Electric has a sophisticated set of suspension- double fork helical spring in the front and shock absorber with helical spring in the rear. It also gets a digital dashboard, noiseless operation and minimal vibration levels, providing a smoother ride for passengers.

Ride quality in electric vehicles enhances customer satisfaction imperative in app-based fleets.

5. Environmental Impact

This is where the difference becomes noticeable. The Montra Electric Auto emits no tailpipe emissions, is eligible for FAME II incentives, and aids India's EV push. The Alfa DX, while BS6-compliant, produces CO₂ and other emissions contributing to urban smog and noise.

For operators aiming for sustainability and regulatory compliance, EV is the future.

6. Use Case Suitability

If rural routes, with rare charging facilities, are what you're looking at, then Mahindra Alfa DX is the winner. Diesel refueling options and greater range support that application. But in urban fleets, e-commerce delivery, or last-mile passenger transport, Montra Electric Super Auto provides more economical, comfortable, and eco-friendly advantages.

Which One To Buy?

Buy Mahindra Alfa DX if:

• Operations span long or far-off routes.
• Diesel fuel is readily available.
• Upfront expense is a major limitation.

Opt for Montra Electric Super Auto if:

• Your daily commute is less than 150 km.
• You're aiming for low operating expenses.
• You work in city areas with stringent emission standards.

Conclusion

Although diesel vehicles such as the Mahindra Alfa DX continue to fulfill their role, the future lies with low-emission, efficient choices like the Montra Electric Super Auto. As cities grow and the infrastructure for EVs grows along with them, selecting an electric passenger vehicle in India is no longer an experiment — it's a shrewd business choice.

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