Ather

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

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

Ather 450S electric scooter spiedWith increasing competition and subsidy exhausted in several states, OEMs are betting on new, affordable variants to boost salesPremium electric scooters like Ather 450X have been registering robust sales since launch. The combo of central and stage level subsidies has worked to make these electric scooters a viable option in comparison to the standard ICE-based scooters.However, electric two-wheeler sales appear to be plateauing. MoM growth was negative in April 2023. Moreover, OEMs like Ola and Hero MotoCorp have launched more affordable variants to boost sales. There’s also the threat from upcoming electric two-wheelers such as Simple One, Honda electric scooter and Gogoro. In view of these factors, Ather appears to be right in its decision to launch a new, affordable variant.Ather new 450S base variant – Where will be cost cutting?With affordability taking prominence, upcoming Ather 450S variant is likely to miss out on several of the advanced features available with existing 450X Pro Pack variant. But that shouldn’t be a constraint for folks with limited budget. Quite a few features are not even necessary such as the full colour 7-inch TFT touchscreen display. Ather has already replaced the colour screen with a grey scale unit onboard the standard 450X.Similarly, there could be other features that could be axed. Features like 4G connectivity, music and calls access, guide-me-home light, hill assist and park assist may be desirable. However, they cannot be described as a necessity. These features have already been removed from standard 450X variant. The upcoming 450S variant could do away with more features to achieve an affordable price point.Ather 450S electric scooter name trademarkedIn addition to the missing features and tech, the new Ather 450S base variant is likely to get a tubular frame, instead of the aluminium space frame of the current 450X. It will also get a smaller battery pack along with a less powerful motor. This will help Ather price their new 450S base variant aggressively.Ather 450S – expected priceAs compared to electric two-wheelers like Ather, the bestselling ICE scooters like Honda Activa are relatively cheaper. Activa starts at Rs 75,347 (ex-sh., Delhi), as compared to Rs 98,079 of Ather 450X base variant. It is apparent that people with limited budget will have preference for the Activa. This is why OEMs need to come up with more affordable variants, whose pricing can be at par with bestselling ICE scooters.Along with removing unnecessary features, OEMs can also think about using lower capacity battery packs. It will lower the range, but the price benefit will be perceived as favourable by most buyers. Moreover, charging infrastructure is improving rapidly in the country. When users know there’s a charging station in the neighbourhood, they would worry less about range and getting stranded.Upcoming Ather 450S variant could be priced below Rs 1.5 lakh. Existing 450X and 450X Pro Pack variants are priced at Rs 1,71,879. Central subsidy available for Ather under FAME II is Rs 55,500, whereas state subsidy applicable on Ather scooters in Delhi is Rs 18,300. Assuming Ather new 450S variant is priced at Rs 1.50 lakh, it could be available at an effective ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 76,000 in Delhi. That’s almost close to that of Activa. Other charges like insurance, road tax and registration will be applicable. More

Ather Dot Charger
Ather Dot charger and Portable charger have their own unique benefits, which is why customers need to have the option to choose
Ather 450X electric scooter can be charged in a home environment or via the Ather Grid charging network. The Grid is accessible for only the top-spec Ather 450X Pro Pack variant. For home charging, the options available are the wall-mounted Dot charger and the easy-to-carry Portable charger.
However, as per inputs provided by a user, Ather now seems to be mandating the Dot charger with the scooter. Earlier, buyers had the option to choose between Dot charger and Portable charger at the time of making the payment. Now, it appears that Dot charger is part of standard equipment. Anyone who needs the Portable charger will have to pay extra.
Different needs, different chargers
Both Dot charger and Portable charger have their unique advantages. Dot charger seems more hassle free, as one does not need to carry the charger with them or worry about forgetting it or misplacing it.
The Dot charger comes with all the required installation accessories. It can be installed by Ather on request or by any local electrician. Once installed, the Dot charger is like having a fuel pump installed right inside your home.
Ather Portable Charger
However, Dot charger won’t be suitable for folks who have varying commuting schedule. This is especially true in case there aren’t enough Ather Grid stations in the city. Also, 450X base-spec owners will anyways won’t have access to the Grid. Another limitation of Dot charger is that it will work with only the owner’s scooter. It will not work with any other Ather scooter. But users have the option to approach Ather customer helpline and request to link the charger with the scooter ID.
Ather Portable charger seems more convenient, as it works just like a laptop charger. Any 5A socket can work for Ather Portable charger. It can be easily carried anywhere under the seat. Portable charger also makes sense for folks who switch houses and cities quite often. The Portable charger is not linked to any specific scooter ID and can be used to charge any Ather scooter.
Users may end up with 2 chargers
If the Dot charger is part of standard equipment, users wanting the Portable charger will end up with two chargers for their Ather scooter. They will also need to pay extra to get the Portable charger. This will result in wastage of resources.
It remains to be seen how Ather responds to feedback from users. If there’s sizeable pushback, it is possible that Ather may bring back the option to choose between the Dot charger and the Portable charger. Clearly, there’s no technical or safety issue with the Portable charger, as it is available at additional price. Mandating Dot charger may not impact Ather scooter sales, but it seems a bit unsettling for folks who prefer a portable charger. More

Ather is working proactively to expand its retail footprint and fast-charging network across the countrySaurabh Joshi shares photo of taking Ather electric scooter delivery for his family.FY 2022-23 has been a good year for the automotive industry in India, as most OEMs have registered strong growth. In two-wheeler space, most ICE-based and EV manufacturers have been witnessing robust sales. India automotive space is growing even when geo-political and economic uncertainties continue to persist at the global level.In electric two-wheeler space, Ather is among the OEMs that have registered strong growth in FY 2022-23. If Ather can maintain its current sales momentum, it can easily cross 1 lakh annual sales milestone by FY 2023-24. As of now, OEMs like Ola Electric and Hero Electric have annual sales of more than one lakh units.Ather electric scooter sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Ather sales March 2023 and Q1 2023Ather sold a total of 11,754 units in March. YoY growth is 353.65%, as compared to 2,591 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Ather MoM growth in March 2023 is negative at -3.24%. Sales were higher in February 2023 at 12,147 units. Speaking about Q1 2023 performance, Ather sales were at 36k units, which is a 383% YoY growth over Q1 2022. Compared to Q4 2022, when sales were at 24.6k units, it is a 46% growth QoQ. Total sales in FY’23 were at 82,146 units. According to  Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer at Ather Energy, sales could have been higher if the chip shortage had not impacted operations in the first six months of FY’23.Ather expects that their sales momentum will continue in FY’24. To encourage faster adoption of its electric scooters, Ather has been consistently adding new retail outlets across the country. In FY’23, the company increased its retail outlets by 4X, from 30 to 116 stores.Ather has also been expanding its network of fast-charging stations. The pace at which Ather is adding new charging stations is truly commendable, as more than 900 charging points have been added in FY23. Ather now has a total of 1224 fast charging stations, making it the largest two-wheeler fast charging network in the country.Ather has also been collaborating with third-parties to set up charging stations at strategic locations. These will benefit commuters who may be using electric two-wheelers along with other modes of transport such as metro, bus, etc. Ather recently partnered with Southern Railways to install charging stations at ten MRTS and suburban stations in Chennai.Ather pricing a hurdleAther 450X is one of the most well-equipped electric scooters in the country. Safety record of Ather scooters is also impeccable, especially when compared to other electric scooters. However, high pricing of Ather 450X limits its customer base. Ather 450X price in Bengaluru starts at Rs 1,58,462 (Including FAME II subsidy). This may not be within the reach of a significant percentage of potential buyers looking for an electric scooter for everyday commutes.Ather can probably take some inspiration from Ola Electric that has launched affordable versions of its S1 electric scooter (Ola sales in March 2023 were 27k). The affordability is achieved primarily by using a smaller capacity battery pack. Even though range is reduced, affordable pricing is still a major draw, especially in case of buyers with limited budget. A new affordable Ather launch is expected later this year. More

Ather Energy Announces Upgrade to Ather Grids – 80 percent Cut-Off for optimal charge for users
Ather Electric Scooter
Ather Energy has recently announced that their Ather Grids will soon be upgraded with an 80 percent cut-off. This will provide optimal charge for users, reduced wait time for others, and fair usage for everyone. While that’s a straightforward message, a tweet from their CEO related to the same caught our attention. ‘Once we disconnect the solenoid, charging cannot continue for safety reasons. You risk arcing and other non savoury things otherwise.’
Understanding How Solenoids Convert Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy
If you own an electric scooter, you may have heard of solenoids and their importance in the charging process. Solenoids are essential electromechanical devices that control the flow of electricity to the battery. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and generate a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them.
Ather Electric Scooter charging via grids – 80% cut off. Hat tip – Coimbatore Ather Owners
However, if you disconnect while the battery is charging, you risk arcing and other safety hazards. It is, therefore, essential to let the solenoid complete its cycle before disconnecting it to prevent any damage or harm that may occur due to a sudden interruption in the flow of electrical energy.
Risks of Interrupting the Flow of Electrical Energy to an Electric Scooter Battery
When a solenoid is charging, it actively draws electrical energy and creates a magnetic field. Disconnecting the solenoid while it is charging can be dangerous as it may cause a sudden interruption in electrical energy flow, leading to an electric arc.
Solenoids are critical safety features in electric scooter charging. They control the flow of electricity to the battery and prevent electric arcs that can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Preventing Electric Arcs During Electric Scooter Charging
An electric arc is a discharge of electric current that occurs when there is a gap in a circuit. It can cause a flash of light, heat, and even an explosion, resulting in severe burns, equipment damage, and even death. To prevent electric arcs, it is crucial to let the solenoid complete its cycle before disconnecting it. This ensures that the magnetic field has dissipated, and there is no risk of an electric arc occurring.
The Ather electric scooter is designed with safety in mind and uses technologically advanced lithium-ion cells for its battery pack. These cells have a high energy density, making them a popular choice for electric vehicles. More