Billionaire Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu, who has several luxury cars, now has an electric three-wheeler
The Padma Shri Awardee, who is the 55th richest person in India with a net worth of $3.75 billion according to Forbes, shared a picture of his new Montra electric auto on social media.
Praising the Montra electric three-wheeler, Sridhar wrote, “I am excited that my brand new electric auto, Montra from the Murugappa Group, is here. Fast pick up and nice suspension. I am loving it!”
But why did one of the richest persons in India buy an auto?
To this, Sridhar says, “The electric auto is a great and safe upgrade from a scooter or motorcycle. I like to think of it as the family scooter. Easy to navigate through tight spaces, easier to park… One of these days, the e-auto will take off in the consumer market. I hope the Montra breaks through there!”
The Montra Super Auto EV, offered with two battery pack options, boasts an impressive range of over 160 km and a top speed of 55 kmph as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Sridhar Vembu also has a Tata Nexon EV, but the Zoho CEO says he prefers the electric three-wheeler for shorter trips under 10 km.
However, not everyone agreed with Vembu. “Unfortunately, autos are considered infra-dig and not aspirational to most people as just a personal vehicle. Only those with dual use (business cum personal) may go for it,” commented one person on Vembu’s tweet.
Another said like Tata Nano suffered due to a stigma, even good electric three-wheelers will suffer from auto stigma.
“I tried to convince my grandson (8 years and born curious) to think of it as a chariot but other elders in the family dissuaded him from dreaming. Meanwhile foreigners hold “tuk tuk” rallies,” quipped another X user.