HIGHLIGHTS
- Ather Energy teases the upcoming Ather 450S electric scooter with over 100km range and a lower price point.
- Will begin accepting bookings for the Ather 450S in July, with the launch date yet to be announced.
- Indian Government enforces stricter implementation of the FAME II subsidy, impacting the pricing of Ather Energy’s electric scooters.
- Ather 450S will feature a 3 kWh battery pack, a top speed of 90 km/h, and an IDC range of up to 115 kilometers.
Electric vehicles are already in talk all over the World, And Here Bengaluru startup Ather Energy is aiming to capitalize on the trend with their newest electric scooter. Ather 450S promises an attractive price point and an impressive range of over 100 km on one charge, enough to take most riders well into the day before needing to recharge. The Ather 450S will start taking bookings in July, but no date has been set for its launch. With the Ather 450S, Ather Energy is understanding the demand and helping to make electric vehicles more accessible than ever before.
Government’s Stricter FAME II Subsidy Implementation and Price Hikes
In an effort to implement the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II subsidy, the government has enforced stricter regulations, significantly reducing the incentive cap. This has had an immediate impact on companies already operating in the market. Ola Electric has already declared a price increase due to the new regulations and now Ather Energy has also jumped on the bandwagon. Ather Energy, the premium electric scooter company has decided to raise prices on the Ather 450X.
Ather Energy Introduces Ather 450S: Performance-Centric Electric Mobility for Wider Audience
Ather 450S is the new addition and not only is it performance based but also budget-friendly at Rs 129,999 (state subsidy excluded) .The 3 kWh battery pack of this scooter provides a 115 km range on Indian Driving Conditions. Topping off these features is the scooters’s top speed of 90 kmph. This Ather 450S aims to attract commuters who are looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly version of the 125-cc performance internal combustion engine (ICE) scooters.
Also Read: How to Connect Ather 450X to Phone
Ather 450S Specifications
| Specification | Ather 450S Electric Scooter |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 3 kWh |
| Range | Over 100 km on a full charge |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| Indian Driving Conditions (IDC) Range | Up to 115 km |
| Motor | Permanent magnet motor |
| Price (Ex-showroom, Bangalore) | Rs 1.30 lakh |
| Booking Availability | July onwards |
| Launch Date | August (tentative) |
| Connectivity Features | Expected connectivity package |
Ather 450S: A Differentiated Entry-Level Variant
Ather 450S scooter teaser is also launched. Enthusiasts of the brand across India are speculating about what to expect when the scooter is officially unveiled. According to the teaser, it looks like the forthcoming Ather 450S will get a major facelift, at least from the front apron. There may be other changes in design too; however, the styling is likely to remain similar to its elder sibling the 450X, while for the battery, it is speculated that it may feature the 3 kWh battery from the discontinued 450 Plus. Meanwhile, what is unclear is what features the new 450S may carry. Chances are the scooter may come with some features missing from the top model, as is usual with many other midsized and budget models.
Market Launch and Expected Features
Ather Energy has confirmed that the Ather 450S will be hitting the market in August and Bookings for the scooter will open up in July with deliveries beginning the following month. The 450S is set to feature a more compact dashboard compared to its predecessor, the 450X. It appears that the revamp will include a downscaled touchscreen system. Additionally, the scooter is expected to sport more basic mirror stems than the sturdier and pricier variety found on the 450X.
FAME II Subsidy Impact on Ather Scooters
The impact of the recently instated FAME II subsidy revision has felt by Ather Energy who have made the necessary adjustments to their scooter prices accordingly. Now, possible riders of the flagship Ather 450X can get their hands on the scooter for Rs 145,000 (ex-showroom Bangalore), while the 450X with Pro Pack will be available for Rs 165,000 (ex-showroom Bangalore). It should be noted that these prices reflect the reduced incentives of Rs 32,000 which is a consequence of the updated FAME II norms.
Key Specifications of Ather 450S and Impact on Ather 450X
It will reportedly share a lot of similarities with the 450X including the powerful, permanent magnet motor and outputs. The top-speed of the 450S will be 90 kmph, and range of upto 115 km, while the real-world range is expected to be between 80 to 90 km. With the recent revision in FAME II subsidies, the total incentives on the 450X have decreased by Rs 32,000, making it more expensive. The price of the top-of-the-line 450X has gone up by Rs 8,000 and is now valued at Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the base model has experienced a price hike of Rs 30,000 and is now at Rs 1.28 lakh (ex-showroom).
Connectivity and Booking Details
This scooter will soon benefit from a new connectivity package, which provides features such as navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it is not yet known whether this package will be included as standard in the scooter or available as an optional extra at an additional cost. Nevertheless, those interested in buying the scooter can start reserving theirs in July via one of the Ather Experience Centres across the country or through the company’s official website.
Ather Energy’s Commitment to Electric Mobility
Tarun Mehta, the co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, expressed his thoughts regarding the successful launch of the much-awaited Ather 450S. He spoke on how the introduction of the new model would have the potential to draw in a bigger customer base and deliver a level of safety, assurance and quality that is known to be provided by all Ather models. He also added that the company is resolute in providing its support to the customers, in the wake of the reduced subsidy, to further popularise and hasten the adoption of electric vehicles in India.
Also Read: Top 10 Electric Scooter with Highest Range in India 2023
Electric mobility market in India could get major boost with Ather Energy’s launch of the 450S scooter. This performance-centric, environment-friendly ride offers commuters a convenient and sustainable means of transportation at an attractive cost. With a superior range and top speed, the Ather 450S makes electric scooters more accessible to the masses. Unfortunately, changes in the FAME II subsidies have caused the price of the Ather 450X to increase and reduced the total incentives available. Despite this, Ather Energy remains dedicated to offering their customers the best and continuing to promote electric vehicles throughout the country.
