Ather Energy, the top producer of electric scooters in India, began the year with a number of industry firsts and highlights of its product lineup at its premier client event, known as the Ather Community Day. The biggest update to Ather’s software engine, which powers the vehicle, is AtherStack 5.0. In addition to delivering Google-powered vector maps, AtherStack 5.0 will power a completely new user interface for the dashboard. Four new colours, a new, comfy seat, AutoHoldTM, a programme that provides an unequalled five-year extended battery warranty, and the introduction of Ather’s scooter accessories and products were all additional alternatives the firm gave customers.
The Ather 450X’s software engine, known as AtherStack, is composed of a number of interrelated layers of software, firmware, system intelligence, and algorithms. In comparison to every other EV, AtherStack enables intelligent auto cut-off when hooked into a charger, extending your battery life greatly. It also allows the rider to ride at peak speed while utilising the scooter’s maximum torque for a much longer period of time without derating.
THE UI/UX
The dashboard has a new design and an even more user-friendly UI thanks to the brand-new AtherStack 5.0. The dashboard-operating experience will be improved overall thanks to the new UI. Users may now configure their rides with features like Bluetooth connections and navigation before the engine even starts thanks to a makeover of the home screen. With the addition of new ride animation, which now displays power usage and consumption in various modes, rides are both more intuitive and efficient. With the addition of quick controls, users can now quickly change settings like brightness or turn off incoming call notifications.
The new UI was developed using a user-centred design experiment in which Ather observed every passenger’s eye movement to analyse how they interacted with the device. The goal was to lessen interruptions and greatly increase accuracy. Ather asserts that the new UI has decreased ride screen time by 50–60% and increased ride accuracy by two time
GOOGLE MAPS
The only scooter in the world with onboard Google Maps navigation is the Google Maps Ather. The UI of the new AtherStack 5.0 includes vector maps, which are smarter and more user-friendly than the earlier iterations. On a smartphone that resembles a two-wheeler, the Vector Maps will give the user an experience that is as close to Google Maps as possible. The updated maps feature live traffic and a navigation view from the viewpoint of the rider. Additionally, it means that the onboard navigation is much more user-friendly, provides a lot more context, and instantly adjusts to the user’s location and riding style.
AUTOHOLD
Ather announces AutoHoldTM technology, which makes sure the scooter never slides backwards or forwards on a slope, powered by AtherStack 5.0. AutoHoldTM provides a terrific experience supported by a mix of various sensors & algorithms, in contrast to manual brake locks or any basic Hill hold implementations available on other two-wheelers. Any riding condition has the same automatic, instantaneous, and consistent feeling. It guarantees extremely high rider confidence and makes it highly practical to travel through stop-and-go traffic on any surface.
ATHER BATTERY PROTECT
Ather launched the Battery ProtectTM, extending the battery guarantee to 5 years/60,000 miles, which is a big stride for first-time owners. This is the only warranty policy of its kind in the market to ensure that the battery will still be in good condition after five years in addition to covering battery problems. Owners will be able to get the most out of the scooter’s performance, ride after ride, without having to worry about the scooter’s range depleting after a few years of use. This gives all Ather owners newfound confidence in the durability and performance of our battery. Ather Battery ProtectTM is now included with the 450X, giving it 3 + 2 years of coverage. Customers of the Ather 450 Plus can get this extra 2-year warranty for INR 6,999.
COLOURS
Ather presents 4 new colours – the True Red colour, which draws influence from the racing industry, the Cosmic Black colour was inspired by Ather’s beloved Series 1 Limited Edition scooter. Ather’s contemporary interpretation of vintage classic scooters is the Salt Green colour. The world-famous Nardo ring served as the idea for the new Lunar Grey colour, which, when combined with red alloys, genuinely exudes serious performance. Additionally, the White and Space Grey colours from the 450 Series have been kept, giving customers a total of 6 colour options.
NEW SEAT DESIGN
On the 450X and 450 Plus scooters, Ather has included a new, redesigned seat to increase the scooter’s level of comfort. The redesigned seat has a thicker thickness and is now narrower in the front, flatter in the middle, and steeper at the back. Additionally, the revised seat is now more comfortable for riders with a variety of body types. Additionally, the seat is backwards compatible with all 450 generations and is available for purchase at Ather Experience Centers from prior owners.
ATHER NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARGING
Ather introduces its new project, Ather Neighborhood Charging, in an effort to improve the broader EV ecosystem and all stakeholders’ concerns. This charging system gives users access to charging stations in public areas including corporate buildings, tech parks, and residential complexes. This will provide hassle-free charging and give people the confidence to switch to electric mobility more quickly. Additionally, Ather Neighborhood Charging will be able to power not only Ather scooters but any electric vehicle, including cars, three-wheelers, and scooters. The company also disclosed its intention to democratise charging and allay range anxiety by putting in more than 2500 fast charging grids over the course of the next 12 months.
ACCESSORIES & MERCHANDISE
Additionally, Ather debuted The Frunk, a novel front storage option that provides Quick Access storage without reducing rider legroom. It boasts a large 14-liter capacity, a separate waterproof compartment for smartphones, and a weight capacity of up to 5 kg. It is weather and abrasion resistant and constructed of 100% polyester ripstop fabric.
Since the early adopters started creating their own unique Ather T-shirts, helmets, and even cakes, Ather Merch has become increasingly popular in addition to accessories. The garment has premium quality materials and distinctive print techniques, much like every other Ather Product. The merchandise can be bought online at shop.atherenergy.com.
70 cities and 89 Experience Centers nationwide will provide test drives and retail sales of the new Ather 450X and 450 Plus.
The business offered an industry-first buyback offer for its first 1,000 clients as a tribute to Ather scooter early adopters. As a result, they can purchase the new Ather 450X for Rs. 80,000. The first 1000 customers who choose this repurchase upgrade will receive a further reduction of Rs. 10,000, bringing the final cost down to Rs. 70,000.
EX-SHOWROOM PRICES:
| 450X (Ex-showroom in INR) | 450 Plus (Ex-showroom in INR) | |
| Pune | 149,039 | 126,029 |
| Mumbai | 152,634 | 129,624 |
| Bangalore | 158,462 | 135,452 |
| Delhi | 160,205 | 137195 |
| Hyderabad | 160102 | 137092 |
| Chennai | 160,205 | 137,195 |
| Ahmedabad | 160,312 | 137,302 |
| Kochi | 160,522 | 137,512 |