Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy experienced a 2.59 per cent increase in sales during August 2023. The company sold 8,062 units in August this year, marking a slight uptick in sales in the Indian market. In July 2023, Ather sold 7,858 electric vehicles. Compared to August 2022, the Bengaluru-based EV company achieved a year-on-year increase of 25.77 per cent, with 6,410 units delivered in August of the previous year. However, it's worth noting that Ather's recent sales figures appear subdued when compared to May 2023, when the company achieved its highest-ever monthly sales of 15,256 vehicles. This decline can be attributed to the revision of the Fame II subsidy, effective from June 1, which reduced the maximum subsidy available for electric two-wheelers from 40 per cent to just 15 per cent, resulting in increased electric vehicle prices. Under the Fame-II subsidy scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries capped electric two-wheeler subsidies at Rs 10,000 per kWh of battery capacity.
Also Read: New Ather 450S Review - With Fewer Features, Less Power, is it Still Better than the 450X?
In response, Ather Energy launched the entry-level 450S and the updated 450X in the Indian market. The 450S is now the most affordable model from the brand, with a price tag of Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). With these launches, the homegrown brand hopes to gain a larger market share for electric two-wheelers in the coming months. Besides, the company recently confirmed the commencement of the production of its brand-new 450S electric scooter.
Ather 450S, 450X: Battery, Range, Top Speed
The new Ather 450S is equipped with a 2.9kWh lithium-ion battery, which powers a 5.4kW electric motor. This battery pack is enough to provide an IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range of 115km on a single charge. Similar to the 450X and 450X Pro Pack models, the new base 450S variant has a claimed top speed of 90km/h and can do the 0 – 40km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.
The refreshed 450X comes with 2 battery options – a smaller 2.9kWh battery and a 3.7kWh battery pack. The 2.9 kWh battery works in conjunction with a 6.4kW motor, offering a combined range of 111 kilometres. Whereas, the 3.7kWh battery offers a certified range of 150 kilometres. According to Ather, the 2.9kWh 450S and 450X will require more than 8 and a half hours to fully charge. All scooters will come equipped with a 350-watt charger, but customers will also be able to opt for a 750-watt charger as an extra accessory. The pricing for the 450X starts at Rs 1.38 lakh for the 2.9kWh version and goes up to Rs 1.53 lakh for the 3.7kWh version. All prices are ex-showroom.
Ather 450S, 450X: Features
On the feature front, both the 450S and the 450X get an LED headlamp, a 7.0-inch display, and updated switchgear with two new switches – 'one-click reverse' and a 'joystick'. Both are offered in two variants: Core and Pro. The latter has four riding modes – SmartEco, Eco, Ride, and Sport – along with added features like Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and auto-hold functionality.
A coasting regen function (which extends the range by up to 7%), 'FallSafe' (automatic motor cut-off when a scooter falls), and an emergency stop indication are other feature highlights.
Also Read: Ather 450S and Updated 450X: Variants Explained
Ather 450S: Price and Rivals
The entry-level model of the 450 line-up, the 450S, retails in India at a starting price of Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and tops out at Rs 1.44 lakh. In terms of market rivalry, it goes against the likes of the Ola S1 Air, TVS iQube S, and Bajaj Chetak, among others.
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