July 31 Recap: Launch of Ather 450S with an expanded battery, introduction of Tesla's new dealership, and further updates
The electric vehicle landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and Ather Energy has made a significant move by launching a new version of its popular Ather 450S electric scooter. The updated model now comes equipped with a larger 3.7 kWh battery, offering an impressive range of up to 161 km on a single charge under Indian driving conditions (IDC).
With this upgrade, the Ather 450S retains its original performance specifications, including a 5.4 kW motor that generates 22 Nm of torque. The scooter can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 90 km/h.
Riders can now choose from four ride modes - Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, and Sport - to tailor their riding experience according to their preferences. The 7-inch DeepView digital touchscreen display, complete with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and automatic brightness adjustment, adds to the convenience and comfort of the ride.
Safety features on the Ather 450S include AutoHold, Fall Safe, Emergency Stop Signal, and theft alerts. The scooter also supports over-the-air software updates and Amazon Alexa integration. For storage, the Ather 450S offers underseat storage, a carry hook, and a passenger footrest. Additional features include regenerative braking, side stand motor cut-off, and park assist.
The Ather 450S weighs approximately 108 kg and operates on a Cortex series processor with RTOS. The updated version visually resembles the earlier 2.9 kWh model but offers significantly improved range and charging convenience. The scooter charges from 0 to 80% in about 4.5 hours using the home charger and supports fast charging via Ather’s Grid network with over 3,300 points nationwide.
The updated Ather 450S is priced at ₹1,45,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). The base Sprint MT is now ₹18,000 costlier at ₹1,48,047 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Select MT is now priced at ₹14 lakh, up by ₹18,000. The top-of-the-range Savvy Pro CVT is now priced at ₹17.63 lakh, after a ₹17,000 revision.
Meanwhile, in the automobile sector, MG Motor has increased the prices of the Astor SUV across all variants. The new prices for the Astor SUV range from ₹11.48 lakh to ₹17.63 lakh (ex-showroom). The Astor is now offered exclusively with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Tesla is also making strides in the Indian market, with plans to open a second dealership in India, located in Delhi's Aerocity. The new dealership is expected to cater to customers across Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad. The location of the dealership, near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, is a prime spot, indicating Tesla's commitment to expanding its footprint in the country.
However, the prices of some other models have seen an increase. The Sharp Pro CVT now comes at ₹16.64 lakh, following a ₹15,000 hike, and the Shine MT has seen the steepest increase of ₹19,000, bringing its price to ₹12.67 lakh. The Sharp Pro MT also got a ₹13,000 bump, costing ₹15.34 lakh. The Select CVT has also seen an increase, now priced at ₹14 lakh, up by ₹18,000.
In conclusion, the electric vehicle market in India is witnessing rapid growth, with companies like Ather Energy leading the charge. The updated Ather 450S offers a compelling package of performance, range, and features, making it an attractive option for those looking for an electric scooter. Meanwhile, traditional automobile manufacturers are also adjusting their strategies to meet the changing demands of the market.
The Ather 450S electric scooter, updated with a larger 3.7 kWh battery, also boasts gadgets such as a 7-inch DeepView digital touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. In the automobile sector, Tesla, known for its technology, is expanding its presence in India with a new dealership in Delhi's Aerocity, indicative of its commitment to investing in the Indian market.
