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    EVolutionary Strategy – Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy

    Ather Electric ScooterPublic Charging Infrastructure Evolution – Interoperable and FastProgressive collaboration between Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy is set to expand EV public charging infrastructure across 100 cities. And could be a transformative moment for the Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry. This dynamic partnership aims to accommodate EV owners. And addresses concerns related to quick and convenient charging. Possibly almost anywhere.LECCS Breakthrough: Hero and Ather’s ConnectorThe collaboration’s centrepiece is the development of Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS). A system that has received approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This modern grid integrates AC and DC combined charging connectors.Hero Vida V1 Pro Global DebutAt the heart of this collaboration is the plan to establish 1900 fast-charging points strategically. A widespread network that focuses on delivering a qualitative charging experience. Ather and My VIDA apps, designed with user-centric interfaces, provide EV users with info as needed. These apps play a pivotal role in helping users navigate to charging stations.The Scale of India’s EV Charging EcosystemAccessibility to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) adopting the LECCS standard, contribute to unifying the charging infrastructure. It not only fosters collaboration but also delivers convenience to EV users. LECCS is tenacious in its contribution to the expansion of public charging infrastructure. And looks set to grow as an agile response to the growing demands of the EV market.Overall exponential growth in charging infrastructure through the efforts of many OEMs and private players is not just a numerical milestone. It represents a progression chart in the evolution of EV infrastructure in India.Hero and Ather’s 1900-Point EV Power PlayThe selection of 100 cities for LECCS expansion is not arbitrary but a deliberate and strategic choice. And targets collaborative commitment to creating a comprehensive and accessible charging network. One that caters to expected growth in EV adoption.As India takes small steps towards an electric future, the Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy partnership stands as a beacon of progress. A harmonious and unifying effort towards establishing the largest EV charging ecosystem. The collaboration is not merely a confluence; but one that aims to find a seat at the top. More

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    Ather 450 Apex Teased – Promises Exhilarating Performance

    Ather 450 ApexThe new Ather 450 Apex will sit above company’s current flagship, 450X, packing a lot more performance than before along with revised featuresIndia’s 2W EV onslaught is currently dominated by Ola Electric, TVS and Ather Energy. The move to push limits in performance realm is currently one of manufacturer’s leading strategies. Ola recently launched S1 Pro Gen 2 with revamped performance. Now, Ather Energy is launching Ather 450 Apex with increased performance on tap.Ather 450 Apex TeasedAs part of its 10-year anniversary, Ather Energy is launching 450 Apex, which is its most powerful and performant electric scooter ever. CEO Tarun Mehta took to social media and revealed the name of this upcoming scooter for the first time, Ather 450 Apex. In Ather’s hierarchy, 450 Apex will sit above 450X.In Tarun Mehta’s previous social media post, he revealed that the new scooter is an evolution of current 450 series of electric scooters. He promised Ather 450 Apex will be a pinnacle of refined performance and will pack best-in-class features. Basically this is an attempt to redefine electric scooter experience for Ather.Pricing will be on the premium side as revealed by company CEO and will launch in early 2024. In Tarun Mehta’s words, “It is worth, every bit”. In the new teaser shared by Ather Energy CEO, Tarun Mehta, we can see 450 Apex electric scooter in camouflage. Multiple existing Ather owners took a ride around a track and expressed their first impressions.On our 10th year at @atherenergy, announcing the pinnacle of the 450 platform – Ather 450 Apex!We invited some of our community members recently to take our fastest scooter yet for a spin. Can’t wait to get it on the roads next year! pic.twitter.com/dj6fgHeHKI— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) November 29, 2023‘Oh, that’s a rush. Give me a minute’, ‘Throughout the journey I was feeling I’m flying in the air’, ‘Well, that’s the right way to build a motorcycle, or a scooter, for that matter’, ‘Get ready to have your mind blown and your brain moved around a little bit inside your helmet’, and ‘If you want, I can give my bike keys and I can take the new one’ – said existing Ather scooter owners about the new Ather 450 Apex.Multiple new Ather scooters are incoming tooThe primary rival in Ather’s crosshairs seems to be Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 which was recently launched alongside new S1 X range. For context, Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 packs a 11 kW (peak power) motor with 5.5 kW of rated continuous power. It sips juice from a 4 kWh battery that can touch a top speed of 120 km/h.In comparison, Ather 450X has a 3.7 kWh battery powering 6.4 kW motor (peak power), rated for 3.3 kW of continuous power and a 90 km/h top speed. Claimed range with new Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 is 195 km as opposed to 150 km of 450X. Apart from Ather 450 Apex teased, the company has other projects running too. CEO Tarun Mehta confirmed Ather’s first family scooter too.Ather electric scooter with transparent panelOther than that, Ather is also working on HR variants of both 450S and 450X. Where design is concerned, Ather 450 Apex looks identical to current 450X. A larger 10-inch infotainment screen and transparent side panels are some of the expected new features. Launch is in early 2024. More

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    Ather Family Scooter, Next Gen 450 Series Confirmed By CEO – Launch In 2024

    Image for reference onlyAs opposed to current 450X and 450S, Ather’s Evolution of 450 series is likely to pack more features and kit and priced at a premium than current modelsLeading India’s electric 2W mobility are manufacturers like Ola Electric, TVS Motor, Ather Energy and others. Being one of India’s leading 2W EV makers, Ather has been a popular choice for Indians. Now, the company is expanding its product lineup with Ather family scooter and next-gen Ather 450 Series scooters.Ather Family Scooter, Next Gen 450 Series Confirmed By CEOTarun Mehta, CEO of Ather Energy, took to social media and announced that the company is working on a new electric scooter that will be a family-oriented product as opposed to sporty and youthful 450 Series of electric scooters currently on sale. Mehta expressed that Indian buyers are demanding for something more from them.He confirmed that Ather family scooter will be bigger and more practical and family-oriented scooter. Further, Mehta stated that the launch timeline for this family scooter is 2024 and it seems to align with the recent test mules that have been circling around India’s Silicon City, Bengaluru, Karnataka.This particular scooter seems to be from Ather and has a few design traits of TVS iQube, its key competitor when launched. It is a more conventional scooter in design. CEO Tarun Mehta confirms, Ather family scooter will pack ample size, comfort, storage and a whole lot more, wrapped in one fantastic package.Time for a family scooter…. and more!After spending a decade perfecting the Ather 450, we now believe that there’s demand for something more.So many folks love @atherenergy as a brand but want a bigger, family-oriented scooter from us. That’s why we’re gearing up to launch…— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) November 22, 2023He went to state that pricing will be competitive. “We’re ensuring it’s affordable, making the Ather family experience accessible to more people.” he said.Evolution of 450 Series of electric scootersApart from confirming Ather family scooter, Tarun Mehta also spilled the beans on Ather’s next ambitious project. Ather will soon introduce an evolution of 450 Series scooters which will offer the pinnacle of refined performance. This evolution of 450 Series will pack in best-in-class features and is set to redefine riding experience for buyers.The company will launch it in early 2024 and will come at a premium. But Mehta assures that it is worth the money. Sometime ago, Ather has homologated two new scooters in India – 450X HR and 450S HR. These are based on 450 Series of scooters with HR suffix. We initially thought it would mean “High Range” or something related to electric range on a single charge.Ather 450X HR HomologatedAther 450S HR homologatedBut looking at company’s direction as hinted by Ather’s CEO, 450X HR and 450S HR are likely to pack in more kit and features than standard model. Maybe a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen like TVS X? Maybe speakers like Ola S1 Pro? Perhaps cruise control or ADAS tech? Only time will tell. More details will be revealed in the future.There is a possibility of HR models being Ather’s patented maxi-scooter with HR abbreviating to “High Rider”. Considering Ather specified early 2024 for Evolution of 450 Series as launch timeline. We would wager that Ather family scooter will launch later next year after extensive testing. More

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    New Electric Scooter Spotted Testing In Silicon City – TVS Or Ather?

    New electric scooter spotted in BengaluruThe new electric scooter spotted testing in Silicon City, Bengaluru, bears more design semblances with TVS iQube and less with Ather’s design patentsBengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state, is known for many things. But with automotive relevance, it is a startup hub for many new electric mobility companies. A lot of these startups conduct their vehicular testing around Bengaluru. One such test mule has been spotted and bears stark resemblance with TVS iQube.New Electric Scooter Spotted Testing In Silicon City – Is it TVS?Given that the test mule has been spotted in Bengaluru, thins down the possibilities of it being a TVS product. Most of TVS’ testing happens in and around Chennai, close to their R&D centre. But the design similarities with TVS iQube are uncanny.Take the front of this test mule. It has iQube inspired handlebar cowl, LED headlight assembly, and bulbous and curvaceous body panels among others. From the sides, differences start to get more profound. We can see slightly different body panels, grab rail, smaller floorboard with slightly more intrusive elements behind front apron and more.Seat appears to be slightly more cushioned and the area around its swingarm is slightly different. Rear gets slightly different tail lights from iQube too. Front gets RSU telescopic forks along with a petal disc brake. ORVMs are now different as opposed to the squarish units on iQube.New electric scooter spotted – TVS or Ather?Rear wheel seems to be covered, hinting at a hub motor and the way this test mule has elements near its swingarm on both sides reminds me of iQube too. We would lean on the possibility of this being TVS’ iQube ST that never launched. If TVS can spend R&D budget on 200 units of Apache RTR 165RP, surely they can carve out a different looking top-spec model.Is this an Ather?This concept of selling different body styles within the hierarchy has worked wonders for Ola Electric, TVS’ key rival. So, this test mule might be TVS’ top-spec iQube ST with slightly more premium hardware and componentry. The vehicle might be testing some of these new components that are developed by a Bengaluru-based company. This theory checks with uncanny design similarities with iQube.Conversely speaking, there is a possibility of this being Ather’s upcoming family scooter too, considering it was spotted tested in Bengaluru. As of now, Ather has just one body style that is of a sporty and youthful scooter and there is a maxi-scooter design patented as well. If this is Ather’s baby, there could be legal tussles with TVS owing to design similarities.This test mule looks like it is packing an all-new platform that looks slightly similar to the one seen with Ather’s maxi scooter patents. Increased performance and range along with practicality might be primary attributes. Launch might happen in 2024 or in early 2025. Ather Energy has homologated 450X HR and 450S HR, that will launch before this new scooter spotted testing.Source More

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    Ather Electric Scooter To Get Transparent Side Panels – But Why?

    Ather electric scooter with transparent panelWhile the earlier iteration had a translucent effect, the side panels will be truly transparent this timeIt may not appeal to everyone, but the transparent effect does help a number of products to stand out. This design approach has been used for various products such as watches, computers, cassette players, gaming controllers, smartphones, etc. In case of Ather, the transparent effect was used with the Collector’s edition Ather 450X Series 1 electric scooter.Ather to bring back transparent panelCo-founder and CEO of Ather Energy Tushar Mehta has confirmed that the transparent panel will make a comeback. However, an exact launch date has not been provided. Tushar has also stated that the panels will be truly transparent this time. They will be different from the translucent units seen with Series 1 limited edition electric scooter.Ather electric scooter with transparent panelBack in 2020, the Collector’s edition Ather 450X Series 1 electric scooter was launched as a means to express gratitude to early adopters of 450X. A sizeable number of users had pre-ordered 450X, even when not much details were available about the scooter. In effect, these early adopters had played a key role in establishing Ather as a strong EV brand. To celebrate their contributions, Ather had launched the special edition Series 1 electric scooter with translucent side panels.It’s time again for another special edition, as the company is getting ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The transparent side panels are likely to be used with the special edition. The limited-edition model will be based on 450X Gen 3 electric scooter. Apart from the transparent side panels, the special edition model is expected to get other updates. A new colour theme is likely, complemented with sporty graphics and decals. It remains to be seen if the scooter gets any additional features or performance boost.Ather electric scooter with transparent panel – More powerful CPUTransparent panels – A visual extravaganzaWhen the Series 1 was launched in 2020, Ather had said that it was the first production scooter to get the near-transparent panels. It did have a nice visual impact, as one was able to see the internals such as the distinctive skeletal trellis frame. However, Ather is going completely transparent with the upcoming 2023 special edition. It reveals each and everything, which may not necessarily be all that attractive.An image of the transparent panel shared by Tushar Mehta shows the wires, clips, bolts, holes and slots, the battery casing and frame. The big picture looks quite chaotic, although there can be a sizeable number of fans who may appreciate this bold design format. A transparent watch or smartphone is different, as components are militarized and seamlessly interconnected.In the production version, Ather will probably have to play with some colouring effects on the internal components that are visible through the transparent panel. Designers will have a better idea about how to create the best visual impact with the transparent side panels. It surely doesn’t look all that great in its current form. The translucent panels used with Series 1 were far better. More

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    Ather 450X HR Homologated – 2nd Model With HR Suffix After 450S HR

    Image for reference onlyWhere battery size is concerned, Ather 450X HR packs a 3.66 kWh pack that promises a 158 km range certified by AIS 040In the newfound popularity of electric scooters in India, Ather Energy is among the leading players. Competition is intensifying with new entrants from startup brands and mainstream scooter manufacturers. Ather is fortifying its grounds with a new HR lineup that could mean High Range. 2nd model with HR tag is Ather 450X HR, recently homologated after 450S HR.What is HR in Ather 450X HR homologated?For starters, HR can mean a lot of things. Considering electric scooter nomenclature and the fact that these HR models claim a higher range in homologation documents, HR in Ather 450X HR and Ather 450S HR could mean ‘High Range’ or ‘Higher Range’. The new models will be identical to Ather’s outgoing design.In terms of dimensions, both Ather 450X HR and Ather 450S HR have the same dimensions – 1837 mm in length, 739 mm in width, 1114 mm in height, 1296 mm in wheelbase and has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 243 kg. All Ather’s scooters follow the same dimensions as the brand only has one scooter design, with a 2nd maxi scooter design in the works.Both Ather 450X HR and 450S HR boast almost similar specs where powertrains are concerned. But there are surprises in the mix. A 74 Ah battery pack is common between the two. When Voltage is brought into the mix, Ather 450X HR has less energy at 3.66 kWh as opposed to 3.76 kWh of Ather 450S HR.Ather 450X HR HomologatedThat said, both the batteries weigh 22 kg each. Where range is concerned, Ather 450X HR boasts up to 158 km and 450S HR claims 156 km as per AIS 040 (Rev 1). As of now, Ather 450X is on offer with 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh battery options promising 111 km and 150 km of claimed range.However, top speed for Ather 450X HR isn’t mentioned in the new homologation documents. Ather 450S HR claims an 80 km/h top speed and has a comparable range of 450X HR. So, a 90 km/h top speed is highly likely with 450X HR. For context, both 450S and 450X currently on sale, promise a top speed of 90 km/h.What to expect in terms of features?Power figures ranges between 1.9 kW (2.54 bhp) in Eco Mode and 6.4 kW (8.6 bhp) in Warp Mode. Sport Mode, Ride Mode and Smart Eco Mode packs 5.5 kW (7.37 bhp), 3.2 kW (4.29 bhp) and 2.3 kW (3.08 bhp) respectively. Recently homologated 450S HR lacks Warp Mode and has slightly less power in other modes.Where features are concerned, Ather 450X HR will come equipped with all the bells and whistles. The 7-inch Google-powered touchscreen dashboard with Google Maps, sleek UI and others will be on offer. Other attributes like dual disc brakes, LED lighting, 22L boot space, and others are highly likely too.There may be new and exciting colours exclusive to HR models too. We’re not sure whether Ather is offering its Pro package as standard fitment with 450X HR. As of now, Pro pack for 450X costs Rs. 23,000 and comes with Ather RideAssist, Ather Connect, and AtherStack OTA updates. Launch could happen very soon. More

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    Ather 450X Special Edition Incoming – Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

    Image for reference onlyAs opposed to current 450X Gen 3, upcoming Ather 450X Special Edition might pack additional performance and rangeThe Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup, Ather Energy, is reportedly launching a new variation of its flagship Ather 450X electric scooter. According to reports, the company is likely to call it Special Edition and it will commemorate Ather’s 10 years in electric mobility industry. Unique design scheme, more performance or range are probable with this update.Ather 450X Special Edition Incoming – What to expect?If we take a look at Ather’s website, the company currently only offers 450X Gen 3 and there is a placeholder for 450X with a 3.7 kWh battery with the text ‘coming soon’. Is this referring to Special Edition? Probably.Ather launched 450X Gen 3 over a year ago and recently launched a more affordable 450S and has homologated 450S HR as well. But the upcoming 450X on Ather’s website could very well indicate this Special Edition. The reports claim higher performance with this update and we can see an increase in top speed from 90 km/h on current 450X Gen 3.Maybe 100 km/h? We hope top speed is around 100 km/h, considering its primary rival Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 boasts 120 km/h top speed. As per Ather’s website, this upcoming 450X (without any suffixes) has a certified range of 150 km and TrueRange of 110 km. Features like 7-inch touchscreen instrument cluster with Maps support and smartphone connectivity are likely.Ather’s 7-inch touch instrument clusterThese range figures are up from 146 km certified and 105 km TrueRange of Ather 450X Gen 3. The primary changes are likely to be with design or new exclusive colours. Probably new graphics and a bunch of freebies or accessories that Ather is offering to both existing and new customers. Ride modes with 450X Gen 3 will be on offer too.Upcoming Ather scootersAther currently has a lot on the cards. For starters, Ather is launching 450S HR in the future. Homologation for the same has already done. HR in the name could mean High Range or Higher Range. It packs a 3.76 kWh battery along with AIS 040 certified 156 km of range on a single charge.This is 6 km more than upcoming Ather 450X, advertised on official website. Other than that, Ather is also working on a maxi-style scooter that comes with wind protection for riders and a comfortable riding posture for longer rides.Considering it is an electric scooter, it would be interesting to see advertised range figures of that vehicle. This maxi-styled scooter will launch later, as Ather 450X Special Edition and 450S HR seem to be right around the corner.In terms of pricing, a price point of Rs. 1.7 lakh for Ather 450X Special Edition and Rs. 1.5 lakh for Ather 450S HR seems logical (both prices ex-sh, excluding subsidies). With Ather’s Pro packs, one can take pricing way higher too.Source More

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    Ather 450S HR With 3.76kWh Battery Homologated – Rivals Ola S1X+

    Ather 450 range gets new additionThe upcoming Ather 450S HR with 3.76 kWh battery promises 41 km higher claimed range and about 20 km higher true range than current 450S with 2.9 kWh batteryOla S1X+ with a 4 kWh battery pack made the prospect of Ather 450S slightly feeble. Ather is now retaliating with a new variation of its most affordable 450S with a larger 3.67 kWh battery. Called Ather 450S HR, this should put on quite a fight against Ola’s more affordable S1X+ with a 4 kWh battery pack.Ather 450S HR With 3.76kWh Battery HomologatedThe Indian startup brand, Ather Energy, is launching a bigger battery version of its recently launched affordable 450S model. As of now, flagship Ather 450X has battery pack choices between 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh. The same treatment is now given with lower-tier Ather 450S as well. “HR” in Ather 450S HR could very well mean ‘High Range’ or ‘Higher Range’.Speaking of range, Ather claims 156 km (AIS 040 certified) on a single charge with 450S HR. This is a 10 km higher claimed range than 450X Gen 3 with a 3.7 kWh battery. True range might be around 110 km on a single charge. When compared to current 450S, upcoming 450S HR promises a 41 km higher claimed range and (around) 20 km higher true range.As per homologation document below, Ather 450S HR will pack a Nickel and Cobalt based Li-ion battery. It has a 3-phase PMS motor made by Mahle with up to 5.4 kW peak power (7.24 bhp) in Sports Mode. There are a total of four riding modes – Eco Mode, Smart Eco Code (likely to be ‘Mode’ and not ‘Code’), Ride Mode and Sports Mode.Ather 450S HR homologatedWarp Mode is only available with top-spec 450X. Top speed, however, is reduced with Ather 450S HR. It boasts 80 km/h top speed as opposed to 90 km/h on current 450S, 450X and 450X Gen3.What are the changes as opposed to current model?As per the new homologation document, Ather 450S HR doesn’t show any dimensional difference when compared to current models. 450S HR measures 1837 mm in length, 739 mm in width, 1114 mm in height and has a 1296 mm wheelbase. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is still the same as other Ather scooters at 243 kg.In terms of features, upcoming Ather 450S HR will align with current 450S. In this sense, it will lack the advanced 7-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment system that supports Google Maps and a plethora of features and technology. Instead, 450S HR will feature the new 7-inch Deepview non-touch display that supports Bluetooth with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation among others.As per pricing, current 450S with a 2.9 kWh battery costs Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh, including subsidies in Karnataka). Going by that, Ather 450S HR might cost Rs. 1.4 lakh (ex-sh, including subsidies in Karnataka). Adding Ather’s Pro Packs could take the prices higher by up to Rs. 20,000.For context, Ola S1X+ with 4 kWh battery costs Rs. 1.1 lakh (ex-sh) and Simple One with a much larger 5 kWh battery costs Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex-sh). Ather is likely to launch 450S HR soon. More