Ather

New SmartEco ride mode for Ather will make it easier for users to achieve the scooter’s true range with limited impact on performanceAther Electric ScooterOne of the many benefits of electric scooters is that performance and overall experience can be improved via OTA updates. New features can also be introduced at regular intervals. There is no need to visit the service centre and everything gets done in a few minutes.Ather SmartEco OTA updateAther’s latest update includes a new SmartEco ride mode that is designed to dynamically adjust range and performance. To get SmartEco ride mode, Ather 450X and 450 Plus users need to download the latest version of Atherstack software. In Ather app, users need to activate the Ather Labs option to become eligible for this update.Ather Labs provides early access to new features and seeks feedback from users. Earlier also, a number of new features were made available through Ather Labs such as Trip Planner and Savings Tracker. Latest SmartEco ride mode will be available to users who have Ather Connect Pro subscription plan.If all such conditions are satisfied, users need to choose ‘Update Now’ option via settings on the scooter’s touchscreen display panel. The battery has to be at least 40% to get the update. The update takes around 5 minutes, post which users can select SmartEco mode via settings.Ather Electric ScooterWhen selected, the existing Eco mode is replaced by SmartEco on the screen. Users can return to standard Eco mode anytime they want. Other ride modes of Ride, Sport and Warp remain unchanged.Ather SmartEco ride mode benefitsSmartEco ride mode essentially aims to achieve a midway between Eco and higher speed ride modes. In a conventional system, the Eco mode does maximize range. However, it significantly limits the options available to the user. For example, if the user needs to overtake, they will have to switch to a different mode.SmartEco works differently, as it can sense the exact requirements at a given point of time. It can factor variables like user riding style, total load on scooter, terrain, etc. Based on these factors, SmartEco makes dynamic adjustments to acceleration. Simultaneously, it also keeps an eye on power consumption to ensure the scooter can achieve its true range.In SmartEco mode, a power bar is displayed on the dashboard. When the power bar is blue, it indicates that there is ample power available. Users can accelerate as per their needs. When power bar turns red, it means less power is available. At these times, users should not accelerate or speed up. If they need to do so, they can switch to Ride mode.It is to note that this update is being rolled out gradually. It may not be available to all users simultaneously. Users also need to ensure that their Ather App has been updated to the latest version. More

Ather Energy reports sales growth for March 2022, and the quarter just concluded – Q1 2022Image – Ather EnergyWhile large sections of the auto industry have been grappling with sales decline, the electric two-wheeler industry appears to have fared better in recent months. The overall size of the industry has consistently improved manifold. Sales have risen from a few hundred units to a few thousand units for a leading number of electric vehicle manufacturers.While there are only a handful of affordable electric cars to choose from, the e2W industry is fast becoming a platform of choices. This is furthered largely by the electric scooter industry of which there are now many offerings. The electric motorcycle industry too is gaining momentum, but offerings are currently limited.With new age manufacturers riding high on funding, incubation of manufacturing is a much faster process today for e-scooters. In recent years, the number of players in the arena have continued to grow, and this trend is being further bolstered. Investments are key, and changes are taking place each day.Ather Electric Scooter Sales March 2022Ather Energy has gained where sales are concerned and continues to build a brand name that’s recognisable. In March 2022, sales were reported at 2591. Ather says this is a growth of over 120% YoY. Sales in March 2021 are likely to be about 1,177 units. Volume gain stood at about 1,414 units. MoM sales too improved. Up from 2,042 units. Sales growth stood at 26.89 percent at volume gain of 549 units.Ather Electric Scooter Sales March 2022. * are approximate numbers, based on % gain mentioned by Ather.With a great showing through the first 3 months of 2022, volume gain already stands at over 4.8k units. For the quarter just concluded, January sales were the highest at 2,825 units. Q1 2022 cumulative sales is reported at 7,458 units. For the corresponding quarter in 2021, sales were reported at 2,633 units. At volume gain of 4,825 units, growth has more than doubled.Highest ever monthly pre-ordersGrowth is key for Ather Energy. To realise this end, the manufacturer is keen on expansion in terms of production, as well as, company outreach. To achieve this, Ather plans quick dealership expansion to reach many more markets in the country. Only recently, retail outlets have been inaugurated in Guwahati, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Bangalore (third outlet in Bangalore).With this, Ather is now present in 28 cities with 34 Experience Centres. Bangalore is the second city after Delhi to get its third Experience Centre. As they meet growing demand, Ather announced the roll out of its 25000th 450X last month.Recently, Ravneet S. Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy said, “At Ather Energy, we continue to witness strong consumer demand for our 450 series. We delivered 2591 scooters in March and have received the highest ever monthly pre-orders. While we were only able to deliver a fraction of the pre-orders due to components shortage, we continue to work actively to strengthen our supply chain and reduce the waiting period. Towards this, amongst other actions, we entered into a strategic partnership with Foxconn to fast track the scale up of our manufacturing ecosystem and meet the rising demand.” More

Ather 450X electric scooter production has surpassed the 25k units milestoneAther 450x Electric Scooter – 25,000th unit rolloutAther Energy finds itself celebrating yet another milestone. It’s been a little over 2 years (about 25 months) since the first Ather 450X rolled out. That was January 2020. Fast forward 2 years, and on March 4, 2022, the manufacturer rolled out its 25,000th unit.Reaching this number already may not have been what people expected considering sales was limited to a few hundred units a month. That number is fast changing and things are looking up for E2W manufacturers. Total industry size has ballooned, and 2022 is already looking better than ever before.YoY Ather sales growthAther saw YoY sales more than double. The market has been receptive to electric scooters in recent months, and expectations point to this number growing even further. The space continues to be interesting as the number of companies selling E2Ws, especially electric scooters, has grown by the month.The industry is being filled by companies that haven’t traditionally been present in the industry, and point to new age businesses that are drafting the future of electric mobility. With a large number of E2W companies setting shop as startups, a lot of what the future holds depends on funding these companies can attract.Ather 450X number ?25,000? just marked it’s attendance! From the 1st one on 28th January, 2020 to the 25,000th one on 4th March, 2022 — what an electrifying journey it has been! ?? pic.twitter.com/oJatLsaOUc— Ather Energy (@atherenergy) March 9, 2022On that front, Ather has fared well. With focus on growth and product development, Ather Energy has had several rounds of funding. With the electric two wheeler industry teething, it’s only a matter of time when volumes become manifold. The industry is taking baby steps in an industry of unknown territory.Of the companies that reported sales to the industry body, total electric two wheeler sales last month surpassed the 32k mark. This in itself may not look phenomenal but represents manifold growth. A year earlier, the E2W segment saw total sales closer to the 6k mark.Ather network expansionThe company is keen on increasing its presence and this will be possible when the company begins business in many more cities than it does today. As per plan, in the next 3 years, there will be 600 retail outlets.Being able to cater to that many touchpoints will only be possible when manufacturing increases. To ensure an ecosystem that supports its growth plans, Ather Energy is increasing its scooter production per annum.  With an increasing number of electric 2W manufacturers, the future fosters a truly competitive environment. Only recently, Ola electric has entered the space, and where sales is concerned, the company aims for runaway success.  More

Ather Electric ScooterAther Energy announces partnership with Bharat FIH (A Foxconn Technology Group Company)Ather Energy reports strong response for 450X and 450 Plus electric scooters. In a year’s time, MoM sales improved by 20 percent. The manufacturer expects this trend to continue in the months to come.To meet growing demand, Ather has partnered with Bharat FIH for parts manufacturing. The alliance caters to developing and manufacturing key components for Ather scooters. Enhancing the manufacturing ecosystem will help meet demand for Ather 450X and the 450 Plus.Ather Energy has made strategic investments to foster an EV ecosystem. This boosts mass adoption of EVs and helps cater to rising demand. In February 2022, Ather sales crossed the 2k mark, a decline from sales in January 2022.    Ather Electric Scooter Production expansionIn growing its business, Ather Energy has created a strong local supplier base. 99 percent of products are indigenously built and sourced for manufacturing. When it comes to supplying and manufacturing components for Ather scooters, the manufacturer is focused on finding the right vendor to ensure quality.Ather Electric Scooter Production PlantIn order to address growing demand over time, Ather Energy is scaling up production from 120,000 to 400,000 units per annum at its Hosur facility. More land has been acquired to do the same. In the next three years, Ather aims to increase annual production capacity to a million scooters.During this time, 5,000 fast chargers are to be setup. Other areas of focus are new product development, and network expansion to 600 stores. At present, Ather operates out of 30 experience centres (retail outlets) in India.  Raw material procurementBharat FIH offers a range of manufacturing services. This includes Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assemblies for Battery Management Systems, Dashboard Assembly, Peripheral Controlling Units, and Drive Control Modules. To be manufactured on a ‘Turn-Key” model, supply chain logistics and raw material procurement for Ather Energy will also be managed. Production of parts for Ather scooters at the Bharat FIH facility have begun.Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Ather Energy said “The EV industry continues to witness growth at an unprecedented rate with strong demand across segments. Ather Energy also finds itself in the midst of phenomenal growth as we continue to expand our retail footprint across the country. We are working towards strengthening our supply chain to cater to the rising demand for our scooters.Towards this, we are delighted to partner with Bharat FIH to provide us with the capacity, supply chain capability, and process expertise to achieve our volumes and projections. Bharat FIH has demonstrated incredible capability over the last few months by ramping up very quickly to meet our requirements. This partnership also reflects the opportunities that large auto component manufacturers today recognise in the EV industry.” More

Ather Electric ScooterAther Energy currently has the capacity to manufacture 5,000 electric scooters a month in addition to building its own lithium-ion battery packElectric two-wheelers, especially scooters have seen tremendous growth in the last few months, thanks to the push being given to electric mobility by the Government of India. Ather Energy has come out as one of the primary contributors in the electric mobility space in our country for the past couple of years.The Bengaluru-based EV startup is currently the third-largest manufacturer in the electric two-wheeler space in India after Hero Electric and Okinawa. The company currently retails two electric scooters under its folds including 450 Plus and 450X. Ather in recent times has accelerated its network expansion across the country.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Feb 2022Where petrol scooter sales are on a decline, Ather has recorded a YoY growth of 140 percent in comparison to February 2021. The EV manufacturer has clocked a cumulative sales volume of 2,042 scooters in February 2022. Ather sold about 850 electric scooters in Feb 2021 – translating in a YoY growth of more than 140%. In Jan 2022, Ather had sold 2,825 scooters – translating into a decline of 27% MoM.The low numbers despite growing demand are a result of the global semiconductor chip shortage reeling the automotive industry for more than a year. The ongoing crisis has led to the disruption in the supply chain management which is why the company is unable to keep pace with the rising demand. Ather claims only a fraction of the pre-pending orders were cleared in February.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Feb 2022. Feb 2021 number is an estimate, basis of 140% growth.Setting Up New Charging GridsThe company is hopeful of improvement of the market situation in the next 2-3 months where supplier partners are able to reduce the demand-supply gap. On the other hand, Ather signed an MoU with Govt. of Karnataka to install 1000 charging grids across the state to help make EVs go mainstream. This development was confirmed by the CEO of Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta, on his official Twitter account.Ather has also laid out its growth plan for the next few years. Over the next three years, the EV manufacturer plans to increase its annual production capacity to one million scooters from 400,000 by the end of 2022, install 5,000 fast chargers across India, develop new products and increase its network to 600 stores.Other developmentsAther currently has 29 retail stores spread across 24 cities. More than 300 fast-charging Ather Grid Points are available across these cities. The EV firm has plans to expand its footprint to 100 cities across the country by March 2023. Around 150 experience centres will be set up.On a slightly different topic, Ather Energy was recently announced as the principal sponsor of Gujarat Titans for a period of two years. The Ahmedabad-based franchise is one of two new additions to the Indian Premier League (IPL). More

Ather Electric Scooters Jan 2022 SalesAther sales could have been higher, but production was impacted due to supply chain challengesIn terms of sale volumes, Ather Energy is currently ranked third in the list of electric two-wheeler manufacturers. While Ather is ahead of Ampere, TVS, Revolt, and Bajaj, it trails behind Hero Electric and Okinawa. This could change in future, as the company has accelerated its network expansion across the country.Ather Electric Scooter Sales Jan 2022Ather sold a total of 2,825 units in January 2022. This is YoY growth of 366%, as compared to sales numbers in January 2021. According to Ravneet S. Phokela, CBO at Ather Energy, the company has been witnessing increased demand for its scooters. However, shortage of auto components such as semiconductor chips continues to pose challenges. As and when the supply chain situation improves, Ather should be able to boost production to meet demand.As of now, the company has a strong order book. In January, new experience centres were opened in Nagpur, Lucknow, Chennai and Trivandrum. Several more cities are expected to be covered in coming months. Ather is also expanding its network of fast charging stations known as Ather Grid Points. These are crucial in terms of ensuring greater acceptability for electric two-wheelers.Ather currently has 29 retail stores spread across 24 cities. More than 300 fast-charging Ather Grid Points are available across these cities. By March 2023, Ather has plans to expand its footprint to 100 cities. Around 150 experience centres will be set up.Ather plans Feb 2022Ather second factoryAs demand for its scooters is expected to increase significantly in the future, Ather is working proactively to boost production. A prominent move is the setting up of a new manufacturing facility in Hosur. This will be in addition to the first facility in the same city. When the second plant is fully functional, production capacity will increase from the current 1.20 lakh units to 4 lakh units per annum.In addition to scooters, the new facility will also focus on battery manufacturing. It is to note that Ather has around 90% localization for its 450X and 450 Plus scooters. It includes the lithium-ion battery pack.The company currently has 13 patents related to design and manufacturing of its battery packs. Manufacturing battery packs in-house not only reduces cost, but also allows more freedom in terms of developing the powertrain and other components.Ather and Hero MotoCorpAther is among the well-funded EV startups in the country. Regular inflow of funds has helped the company to focus on R&D and come up with world-class products. Ather recently received Rs 420 crore from Hero MotoCorp that has been one of the first investors in the startup.It will be interesting to see how this partnership shapes up in the future. There could be a possibility that Ather could merge entirely with Hero MotoCorp all while retaining its unique brand identity. Even before this investment, Hero MotoCorp had 34.8 percent shareholding in Ather Energy. A significant percentage of fresh funds are likely to be utilized for expanding retail and fast-charging networks. More