More stories

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    Ather Launches 3 Electric Scooters – Price Rs 1.3 L To Rs 1.68 L

    New Ather electric scootersAther Energy’s portfolio now includes three electric scooters instead of twoAs promised in Ather’s recent teaser, the company now has three electric vehicles in its portfolio. One is them is the newly launched Ather 450S with a 2.9 kWh battery. The other two scooters are 450X with a new 2.9 kWh battery and existing 3.7 kWh battery.Ather 450S costs Rs. 1,29,999 (ex-sh) and features India’s first DeepView Display. Other changes include brand new switchgear, FallSafe feature, ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) and coasting regeneration. The last feature increases the scooter’s range by up to 7%, depending on riding mode.New Ather electric scooters prices – Pro pack that unlocks a host of features will be priced at INR. 14,000 for the 450S, INR. 16,000 for the 450X with 2.9 kWh battery and INR. 23,000 for the 450 with 3.7 kWh battery.Ather Launched Three Electric Scooters In IndiaExisting 450X gets most of these features as well, including the option of a smaller battery. The company is offering Pro Pack with all of its models. It costs Rs. 14,000 for 450S, Rs. 16,000 for 450X 2.9 kWh model and Rs. 23,000 for 3.7 kWh model. Pro Pack enables Ride Assist, Ather battery protect, AtherStack updates, and Ather Connect (free for 3Y).Main highlight of this update is the launch of 450S, which only gets a smaller 2.9 kWh battery and offers up to 115 km of range, 0-60 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 90 km/h. More expensive 450X gets a 115 km range with a 2.9 kWh model and a 145 km range with a larger 3.7 kWh battery model. Deliveries for new and updated scooters will happen in a phased manner. 450X with 2.9 kWh battery deliveries will commence 3rd week of August, new 450S by last week of August and lastly, 450X 3.7 kWh battery in October.New Ather electric scooters450S features a DeepView display with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, auto-brightness, and superior readability utmost times. It supports on-board navigation too with 18+ directional possibilities. In this sense, users can navigate effectively even in a complicated 8-way roundabout. New switchgear provides a unique interactive experience. Both 450S and 450X range now feature this new switchgear with new switch additions including one-click reverse and a joystick. Even though 450X gets a touchscreen, the new switchgear will ensure seamless interaction with its dashboard. FallSafe feature can account for scooter’s speed, orientation, and acceleration when the rider is about to fall.New Ather electric scootersFallSafe switches off the motor to prevent further skidding and even turns on indicators to notify other road users. ‘Emergency Stop Signal’ (ESS) helps in panic-braking situations by turning both indicators at both ends. Ather’s new coasting regen feature seems to be with 450S only and enables a 7% higher range with effective energy recuperation.Added features add functionalityInstalling Ather app on phone will now enable Inbox to Scooter feature, showing destination addresses from popular messaging apps like Whatsapp, Telegram and Instagram DM. Ather currently has 1400+ charging stations across India and the updated Trip Planner suggests trips more optimally now. Physical changes include new rear mud flaps as well.New Ather electric scootersCEO’s wordsTarun Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “With the launch of our refreshed portfolio today, we now have three products on the 450 platform in different price segments. This allows us to reach out to a much wider set of buyers. Our latest entry level variant – the 450S breaks new ground in the 125cc performance scooter segment by offering a first-of-its-kind DeepViewTM Display dashboard and a host of never seen before innovative features.The 450S significantly raises the bar in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance. The 450S will appeal to all those who want to enter the electric segment but are seeking the quality and assurance that Ather scooters provide at an accessible price point. Along with the 450S we are also introducing the 450X in 3kWh and 4kWh capacity providing more options to our customers to choose from our best selling scooter platform.” More

  • in

    Ather Launching 3 New Scooters On 11th August – Official Teaser

    Ather 450XAlong with a slew of new features, Ather is launching three new scooters on August 11th, 2023Ather’s newest teasers on social media are building quite a hype. As per the teaser, they are going to launch not 1, not 2, but 3 new electric scooters. Ather calls this new range of 450 Series. It is not yet revealed what these 3 new scooters will be. If we had to guess, one could be 450S, which will take on Ola S1 Air. The second could be 450X Gen 4 to take on S1 Pro. What could be the 3rd one?Ather Launching 3 New ScootersThe Indian electric mobility startup is known to surprise audiences at events like this. Ather’s Community Day event is a testament to that. The new ‘Warp Through’ event on Friday will feature renowned stand-up comedian Jose Covaco, popularly known as Hoezaay.New scooters. New features. And even newer jokes (courtesy of @HoeZaay).Coming to you LIVE at 12 noon this Friday. Set your reminder at: https://t.co/ru0b1OI8RE#WarpThrough #Updates #Ather450S #Ather450X #Ather #ComingSoon #NewLaunch #ElectricScooter #EV pic.twitter.com/Qy4oEugoWd— Ather Energy (@atherenergy) August 7, 2023Some glimpses from the latest teaser on social media hints at more power, more torque and greater range. Also, new features. Video even mentions “Unmasking the new gen soon”, which could be referring to Ather 450X Gen 4. One teaser suggests more performance with Warp Mode. Enhanced practicality with more luggage space could be a possibility as well.Warp your way to the EV future!Ather refers to the new robotic face in the dashboard as AtherBot and is likely to ‘transform’ how we interact with the scooter. Ather’s new 450 Range of scooters will pack generational upgrades and will offer more tech and value for prospective buyers. All eyes are on the new 450S, with a supposed 3 kWh battery.This new base model EV from Ather will pack 115 km of IDC-claimed range and 90 km/h top speed. It costs Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh). Pre-order window is already open and will rival Ola’s newest S1 Air electric scooter and other scooters in the similar price bracket.Recent updates from AtherAther Energy has reported remarkable sales figures for July 2023, selling 7,858 units, representing a substantial 229 per cent year-on-year increase. Comparing with the previous month, the company experienced a commendable 21 per cent month-over-month growth, selling 1,379 more electric scooters than June’s 6,479 units.To further support the adoption of electric vehicles, Ather Energy has collaborated with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to bolster its EV charging infrastructure. Leveraging BPCL’s vast network of over 21,000 fuel stations across India, the partnership aims to facilitate the installation of Ather’s public fast-charging Grid.The integration of Ather’s App into this expansion will play a crucial role in providing real-time information on charger availability, making it easier for users to plan their charging sessions efficiently. The increasing sales and strategic partnerships underline Ather Energy’s commitment to shaping a greener and more sustainable future for urban transportation in India. More

  • in

    Is Ather 450S Packing 3.9 kWh Battery To Rival Ola S1 Air?

    Ather 450S new LCD screen hinting at 3.9 kWh batteryNow that FAME II Scheme gives lesser subsidy, affordable variants of existing electric scooters are getting launchedAther Energy is strapped in for a slightly bumpy ride. This bumpiness in its ride is due to the new FAME II subsidy revisions that have wreaked havoc on e-scooter manufacturers. Sales have been dwindling since with electric 2W space witnessing 66% MoM decline in sales.Among the top-selling e-scooters, Ather Energy saw 78% drop in sales MoM and 10.65% decline YoY. Ola is leading the segment with a slew of variations on offer. To counter it, Ather 450S will soon emerge and might accommodate a 3.9 kWh battery as well for Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh).Ather 450S new LCD screen LayoutIs Ather 450S Packing 3.9 kWh Battery?You must be wondering how a more affordable 450S gets a larger battery than the 3.7 kWh unit on 450X and 450X Pro Pack. But that seems to be the case here as Ather Energy’s newest teaser features the number “3.9” in its odometer and even in the short video, which is likely to denote its battery size.With range anxiety becoming the primary negative of EVs, people often choose the one with a bigger battery. It will have enough headroom for unplanned events and takes less charge cycles when compared to the one with a smaller battery. Ola understood this perfectly and currently claims the highest range among rivals.Ather 450S new LCD screen graphicsOla currently sells S1 range in three trims. Base S1 Air, mid S1 and top-spec S1 Pro. Ather 450S will go head-to-head with S1 Air. So, a larger battery makes a lot of sense with 450S as S1 Air is on offer with a choice of 2 kWh, 3 kWh and even a 4 kWh battery with 165 km claimed range.No more touch screen with 450SThis new battery is highly likely to make its way on the more expensive 450X and 450X Pro pack as well. Ather has already revealed pricing for 450S which is Rs. 1,29,999 (ex-sh) and Ola S1 Air with 4 kWh battery costs Rs. 1,09,999 (ex-sh) and deliveries will begin from around this month. Also, for this price and battery spec, Ola is still offering a 7” touchscreen.Cost-cutting with Ather 450S is via its new LCD display. The 7” touchscreen with 450X range will not make it to the 450S. Instead, it will feature an LCD unit, as seen in the new teaser. Speedo, range, ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity info and other functionalities can be seen with this new screen.Top speed is likely to be 90 km/h as with 450X range and IDC range is 115 km. If this really is a 3.9 kWh battery, range seems to be lower than the 165 km range of Ola S1 Air 4 kWh. More info will be revealed in the coming days. More

  • in

    New Ather 450S Launch Price Rs 1.3 Lakh – May 2023 Sales 15,256

    Ather Electric ScooterNew base model in the company’s lineup is Ather 450S with a smaller 3 kWh battery and directly rivals Ola S1 AirWith revised FAME II subsidies in effect starting from today, electric scooter prices are hiked significantly. In Ather’s case, 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack now costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather has come up with a new base variant that will cost Rs. 1.3 lakh (exclusive of state subsidy). This is the much-awaited Ather 450S.Company announced this for the first time on its website, divulging key details. Prospective customers can register their interest on the official website and bookings will begin from July. Ather didn’t reveal delivery dates as of yet. Let’s take a look.Ather 450S new base model launchedAther 450S Launched For Rs. 1.3 LakhFor starters, Ather 450S will cost exactly what 450X Pro Pack used to cost prior to FAME II Revision. This shows how devastating updated FAME II subsidies are for EV sales and cost. Ather 450S will sit below the previous base 450X and will feature a smaller battery and lesser range along with fewer features. How small of a battery and how small the range?Battery will be 3 kWh in size, which is good enough for an IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 115 km per charge. In comparison, both 450X and 450X Pro Pack get a larger 3.7 kWh battery. Ather is not cutting any corners where performance is concerned. The new base model 450S gets the same 90 km/h top speed as 450X and 450X Pro Pack.Ather 450X prices May 2023Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, Ather Energy, said, “The 450 platform has been immensely successful for us, and we wanted to make it available to a wider set of buyers. The 450S will be our new entry-level variant for those looking to enter the electric segment but are seeking the quality and assurance that Ather scooters provide. Within the category, the 450S will break new grounds and will offer first-of-its-kind tech features in the performance scooter segment, raising the bar in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance”Why the hike in price?Indian Government recently revised its FAME II subsidy scheme which cuts down on subsidy money to EV buyers. Earlier, EV buyers could enjoy a subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per kWh along with a maximum cap of 40% of ex-sh price for incentives. Now, that scheme is revised to Rs. 10,000 per kWh and the cap on incentives is brought down to 15% of ex-sh price.This raises costs associated with EVs and starting from today, June 1st, 2023, all EVs get costlier. This is the reason why Ather 450X now costs Rs. 1.45 lakh and 450X Pro Pack costs Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). Ather 450S launched recently, mainly rivals Ola S1 Air.Ather Sales May 2023Ather electric scooter sales stood at 15,256 units in May 2023. This was a 357% YoY growth as compared to May 2022, when they had sold 3,787 units. Sales had also registered growth MoM basis, as April 2023 saw Ather registering sales of 8,182 units. More