Piaggio Ape NXT+ vs Mahindra Treo – Auto Fight in 2025

In 2025, the Indian three-wheeler market is transforming rapidly. Small operators and fleet owners have a choice now. Do they go in for conventional fuel engines, or opt for affordable electric vehicles? The Piaggio Ape NXT+ and Mahindra Treo are at the core of this decision. One operates on petrol, LPG, or CNG. The other operates solely on batteries. This article splits their difference and compares them as commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Purpose and Category

Both vehicles are used for last-mile passenger transport. They travel with ease along narrow alleys and congested city streets. Although both are in the commercial three-wheeler category, they use different technology.

Engine and Power Source

The Piaggio Ape NXT+ has an internal combustion engine. It is available in CNG, petrol, and LPG variants. It has a 230cc engine that produces approximately 8.10 kW power and 16.95 Nm torque based on the fuel type. It is powered by a 12V battery, but for ignition and light only, it is not an electric vehicle.

Conversely, the Mahindra Treo is powered by electricity alone. It employs a 48V lithium-ion battery to drive an electric motor. That motor supplies 8 kW of power and 42 Nm of torque. It employs direct drive transmission, which avoids gears and clutches, providing smoother rides and less serviceable parts.

Driving Range and Refueling

The Mahindra Treo has 110 km of usable range per charge. In optimal test conditions, it goes up to 139 km. Battery charging takes approximately 4 hours based on the charger. This is ideal for urban use every day with overnight charging.

The Piaggio Ape NXT+ is based on rapid fuel refills. It has an engine capacity of 9.5 litres. It does not take hours to be refilled but is contingent upon fuel station availability. Running expenses daily change with the cost of fuel.

Size and Load

Both vehicles are capable of city usage. Piaggio Ape NXT+ has a GVW of 694 kg and kerb weight of 371 kg. With a wheelbase of 1920 mm, it remains stable even on bad roads. Drum brakes and mechanical steering are uncomplicated. Its gradeability of 24.33% makes it comfortable climbing steep roads.

The Mahindra Treo has a steel chassis with roof reinforcement. Its payload varies by model but caters to most passenger requirements. It has a speed of 55 km/h, suitable for city limits. With a gradeability of 12.7% and hill-hold assist, it climbs slopes but not as aggressively as the Ape NXT+.

Maintenance and Costs

Electric motors have fewer moving parts. That reduces the cost of maintenance of the Treo. Electricity is also cheaper to use per km compared to fuel. In addition, consumers receive FAME-II and state EV policies' subsidies, which cut purchase price and tax.

The Ape NXT+ is cheaper to buy but requires frequent maintenance. Engine oil, fuel, and filter expenses mount up. However, where there are no EV charging points, it is still a viable option.

Support and Warranty

Mahindra supports the Treo with a 3 to 5-year warranty, or 120,000 km. Its service outlets serve electric vehicles well. Piaggio's after-sales network serves as a wide rural and urban spread. Mechanics are accustomed to its ICE models.

Pricing Overview

The price of Piaggio Ape auto varies from INR 2.10 to 2.60 lakhs, depending on fuel and location. The cost of Mahindra Treo auto begins from INR 2.75 to 3.05 lakhs, post-EV subsidies. Although the Treo is more expensive initially, minimal running costs offset the overall cost.

Making the Right Choice

If your routes pass through cities that have EV charging facilities, and if you prefer reduced expenditure in the long term, then Mahindra Treo is the wiser choice. Its low maintenance cost, green energy, and subsidy advantage are conducive to future mobility.

But if you operate in regions where CNG or petrol is readily available and charging units are scarce, Piaggio Ape NXT+ remains a safe bet.

Final Thoughts

This comparison between the Mahindra Treo Auto and Piaggio Ape Next Auto is not merely based on specs. It is choosing the right commercial vehicle for your route, fuel availability, and budget. The Treo delivers cleaner, quieter rides with contemporary technology. The Ape NXT+ provides extensive availability, convenient refueling, and reliable performance. In 2025, both do their jobs well, it is your choice.

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