The previous generation Euler HiLoad EV variant impressed on many counts when it was launched in late 2021. But there were also niggles not in the performance section, but on the creature comfort front. Post a road check in 2022, we had concluded then that if the company figured out a way to take care of its occupant, the driver, it would justify a reasonable premium. Thus making it an even greater disrupter as a whole than it proved to be. Fast track to 2023, the company seems to have got it right. The latest product iteration in the form of the 2023 Euler HiLoad EV is an outcome of Euler Motors taking cognisance of feedback from various quarters and stakeholders including the media. The new HiLoad with a nip and tuck addresses the pain points and comes good on key counts bound to make a difference.
Cosmetic changes
Right from the word go, it is apparent that the front fascia has evolved. The round headlamp has given way to the new and raised eyebrow, drawing attention to a redesigned cluster. It lends well to the persona that means business. The spread and throw of light remain unchanged from the earlier generation as per claims. Pranav Khanna, Project Manager at Euler Motors pointed, “The quality of the panels and other plastic components have improved with in-house injection mouldings like the front panel that houses the headlamp cluster, the badging and the front fender to name a few.” With a proper touch and feel of the new generation aggregates, the claims do hold good. With the improvements in the front fascia that consist of the bezels, the newly designed headlamp unit and the plastic panels, the 2023 HiLoad comes across as more premium. The profile and the rear section remain unchanged.
Utility grade
The utility of the HiLoad has gone a notch higher too. For example, the first touch point are the door handles. These have come off age both on the interior and the exterior. Easier on the hands! The flap turned sliding windows address claustrophobia as it promises to enhance ventilation. The layout of the dash has been reworked too. Now there are two glove boxes on either side. One is lockable and the other is a dip unit. The shallow depth makes it ideal for spare change, keys, and other knick-knacks. A little more generosity on the depth would have been ideal. The mount additions pave the way for further customisation like the installation of additional grab handles, a fan and or cabin lights to name a few. Khanna added, “The cushioning of the seat and the backrest have been redone to enhance ergonomics.” My short stint with the vehicle proved to be quite comfortable but the sustenance can only be known with a longer road check.
That being said, the spare wheel now sits underneath the driver seat making for easier access as compared to being underneath the load deck in the earlier generation. Lift up the seat sans any need to tackle bolts and that’s that. The steering remains mechanical, but a few tweaks in the geometry have made quite the difference. It is lighter and easier to manoeuvre. The change of angle of the brake pedal will go a long way to reduce driver fatigue too.
The instrument cluster remains to be the same unit. However, it is better illuminated and the readouts rendered are crisper. The angle of this display unit could be debated though. Other noteworthy inclusions onboard are the bottle holder that continues, fire extinguisher and the provision for stereo and speaker integration on the dash itself.
Powertrain
The Euler HiLoad is still propelled by a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the chassis to avoid rollover. It is mated to a 10.96 kW motor that puts out 88 Nm of instant torque. The battery is liquid-cooled, a first for the segment. The HiLoad runs on 12-inch wheels with a disc brake up front and a drum setup at the rear. It is equipped with a hydraulic shock absorber with helical spring for the front wheel and an independent trailing arm for the rear wheels. This makes the suspension work individually for both wheels and lends to the rollover resistance.
Driveability
The drive ability remains quite supple on the tarmac. Off-road, the suspension stiffness can be made out, and understandably so. Considering how the vehicle is targeted for last-mile delivery in the urban metros. At a twist of the throttle, 80 Nm of torque is available from the get-go. The flat torque curve ensures a stable power output. The brakes do a good job of dropping the anchors when needed, and with the tweak of brakes coupled with the tweaks to the steering, the driver can be assured of a relaxed working environment while manoeuvring and shedding speeds. The mechanical handlebar that lends to it feels a lot more refined. In a fully laden state, my shoulders and arms were a bit more relaxed than the last time around.
Verdict
The 2023 Euler HiLoad EV does a commendable job of blurring the lines between three-wheeler and four-wheeler cargo transport solutions in the market. A 0.7-tonne loading carrier with a top speed of 45 kmph and a real-world range of 120 km will find takers. With the schanges, the drivers will be a happier lot. At the crossroads, the future iterations could further the performance and payload capacity. With the creature comfort paid attention to, the room for cargo is more and that for nitpicking lesser.
