In response to the increasing global demand for sustainable micro-mobility solutions, Sonalika Tractors, India’s leading tractor exporter, is set to enter the electric quadricycle market, starting with a launch in the Netherlands.
A senior official from the company revealed that Sonalika has already developed a product tailored for Western markets in collaboration with a global engineering firm. “We are making significant progress on our quadricycle,” said Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director of Sonalika Group, in an interview with Autocar Professional. While he did not provide a specific launch date, the product is expected to be available within the next 12 to 24 months.
“The design process has taken place in India alongside our global partners. The prototype is ready, and we are currently gathering feedback. We are not rushing this; we are very close to finalizing everything,” he added.
Based in Punjab, Sonalika holds about 13.5% of the domestic tractor market and boasts a substantial export market share of approximately 34.3%. The company believes it is the right moment to enter the electric microcar sector as these vehicles gain traction in Europe, being smaller, lighter, and easier to park than traditional cars.
Mittal explained, “Microcars are essential for every European country due to their compact size and parking convenience. Additionally, pricing for entry-level or small cars is not a significant hurdle in Western markets, unlike in India.”
In Europe, these vehicles are classified as L7E (heavy quadricycles) and L6E (light quadricycles). This new electric model is expected to be produced at a dedicated EV manufacturing facility, marking Sonalika’s third plant. The facility will not only focus on the quadricycle but will also manufacture electric tractors.
Currently, Sonalika operates a factory in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and is in the process of establishing a second plant there for export purposes. While the company prioritizes vertical integration by sourcing many critical components from Hoshiarpur, it is also considering other northern states for the new factory.
“It’s an exciting time for us. Everything will be consolidated in one large facility dedicated to electric vehicles,” Mittal stated. The total investment for the electrification initiative, which includes developing the quadricycle, electric tractors, and the new plant, is projected to be around ₹1,000 crore.
