Introduction

Ather Energy has launched its long-awaited Ather 450S electric scooter, which is a new benchmark for India’s EV two-wheeler industry. As a high-range premium EV at an affordable price, the 450S has an unprecedented 161 km IDC range, modern design with cutting-edge features, and software-based innovative features — all at a competitive price of 1.46 lakh ex-showroom.

Ather aims to bring premium EV tech within reach of many, narrowing the divide between mass-market e-scooters on one hand and high-performance variants on the other. As urban riders increasingly turn to electric mobility due to rising costs, convenience, and eco-friendliness, Ather Energy emerges as a top player, offering style, performance, and value all in one package.

Its launch not only reinforces Ather’s product lineup but also raises the competition level in the fast-growing electric scooter space, competing directly with competitors such as TVS iQube, Ola S1 Air, and Bajaj Chetak.

Ather’s New Launch

• Launches as an all-new variant of the popular 450 series offering.
• Pidded below the flagship 450X to make it more appealing to a broader mass.
• Retains Ather’s build quality, performance DNA, and tech pedigree.

High-Range Yet Affordable

• 161 km range claimed guarantees longer daily commutes without frequent recharging.
• Aggressively priced at ₹1.46 lakh, which makes it competitive in the premium EV segment.
• Aims to attract riders looking for value-for-money with excellent performance.

Why It’s a Big Move in India’s EV Two-Wheeler Market

• Consolidates Ather’s presence in Tier-1, Tier-2, and nascent EV markets.
• Offers a serious alternative to competitors like Ola S1 Air, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak.
• It aims to drive EVs faster by balancing performance, technology, and affordability.

Ather Energy Key Specification

The Ather Energy is driven by a high-performance 3 kWh lithium-ion battery and a hub-mounted electric motor, which provides a smooth yet responsive ride for the city commute. It has a claimed IDC range of 161 km, which in everyday use is likely to provide 115–125 km per charge, making it perfect for round-the-clock commuting without pit stops for recharging.

The scooter has a top speed and accelerates strongly enough for smooth and confident overtakes in traffic. Charging is also convenient, with DC fast charging providing up to 15 km of range in 10 minutes, and a regular home charger taking around 5–6 hours for a full charge. These features place the 450S as a real-world, high-performance electric scooter that does not require any compromise in terms of speed, range, and convenience.

Battery Capacity & Motor Specifications

• Battery: 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
• Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM).
• Peak Power: Approximately 6.4 kW for quick acceleration.
• Drive Type: Belt-driven for quieter, smoother running.

Claimed Range & Real-World Expectations

• Claimed range: 161 km on a single charge (IDC).
• Expected real-world range: 120–130 km under typical mixed riding conditions.
• Range optimised via regenerative braking and optimised motor tuning.

Top Speed & Acceleration

• Top speed: 90 km/h.
• 0–40 km/h: ~3.9 seconds.
• Three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sport for various performance requirements.

Charging Time (Fast + Home)

• Home charger (AC): 0–100% in ~6.5 hours.
• Fast charging: ~1.5 km of range per minute of charge.
• Works with the Ather Grid fast-charging network in major Indian cities.

Design & Styling

The Ather Energy continues Ather’s brand-defining minimalist yet sporty design language, integrating strong body lines with a high-quality fit and finish. Its aerodynamic design not only appeals to the eye but also helps improve performance efficiency. The scooter features a full-LED lighting system, including a slim headlamp, fashionable tail lamp, and transparent turn indicators, presenting it with a contemporary road presence even in darkness.

The instrument panel is a high-contrast LCD screen meant for the best visibility under the sun, providing riders with vital ride information in an instant. Coming in a variety of colours and matte-finish shades, the 450S appeals to both young and office-goer riders. The high-quality plastic, accurate gap between the panels, and the robust frame attest to Ather’s focus on detail, and the 450S appears and feels as premium an EV scooter as possible.

• General Look & Construction Quality: trendy, aerodynamic scooter design with clean lines and well-balanced proportions.
• Durable chassis engineered for stability at higher speeds and improved handling in city traffic.
• Premium-quality plastic panels with precise fit-and-finish for a high-end feel.
• LED Lighting Configuration & Instrument Cluster
• complete LED lighting package featuring headlamp, tail lamp, and turn signals for improved visibility.
• Daytime running lights (DRLs) with unique styling that provide a high-tech, modern look.
• 7-inch TFT touchscreen instrument cluster with Bluetooth, navigation, and ride stats.

Colour Options & Finish Quality

• Comes in various bright and matte-finish colours like Cosmic Black, Still White, Space Grey, and True Red.
• Dual-tone accents and high-gloss paint are available for an aggressive look.
• Scratch-resistant panels and weather-proof coating for Indian conditions resistance.

Performance & Riding Experience

The Ather Energy is designed for an enthusiastic riding experience that makes it perfect for both daily commuting and weekend outings. With its advanced electric motor, it offers instant torque response for rapid off-the-line acceleration, giving riders the confidence to ride through city traffic seamlessly.

There are three riding modes—Eco, Ride, and Sport—that enable users to manage performance and range according to requirements. The low centre of gravity of the scooter, combined with a perfectly tuned suspension system, makes for superb stability at higher speeds or while cornering hard. Braking is taken care of by a combined braking system (CBS), which delivers firm and progressive stops. Comfort takes a front seat, with ample space on the seat and ideally positioned ergonomics that help both rider and pillion have a fatigue-free experience even over longer distances.

Motor Output & Riding Modes

• Driven by a 3 kW PMSM electric motor that provides instant torque for rapid take-offs.
• Ride modes — Eco, Ride, and Sport — to cater to various riding conditions and battery usage habits.
• Regenerative braking enhances range and contributes to smoother slowing down.

Acceleration, Handling & Braking Performance

• 0–40 km/h in 3.9 seconds, so city traffic sprints are swift and effortless.
• Low center of gravity for improved stability and responsive cornering.
• Front and rear disc brakes with CBS for assured, confident braking.
• Suspension optimized for Indian roads — telescopic front forks and mono-shock rear absorber.

Rider & Pillion Comfort

• Ergonomically shaped seat with perfect cushioning for extended rides.
• Cushioned footboard for rider comfort and improved stability.
• Goodly pillion footrests and grab rail for increased safety and convenience.

Battery & Charging

The Ather Energy features a high-quality and consistent performance. Its capacity is 3 kWh, and it has a stunning claimed range of 161 km on a single charge under perfect conditions. Charging is extremely convenient—with a fast charger, the battery can be charged fully in about 4 hours and 30 minutes, while the regular home charger takes about 6 hours and 36 minutes for a full charge.

The battery is IP67-rated, which means it is dust- and water-resistant, so reliability will not be a problem under different weather conditions. Athermore provides a 3-year or unlimited-kilometer warranty on the battery, signifying its faith in durability and performance. For extra peace of mind, the battery thermal management system ensures the best operating temperatures, making it last even longer with routine usage.

Type & Capacity of Battery

• Lithium-ion battery, capacity 2.9 kWh.
• IP67-rated for water and dust resistance to maintain robustness regardless of weather conditions.

Charging Times

• Home Charging (AC): Approximately 8 hours and 36 minutes to 100% from 0% using the standard charger.
• Fast Charging (DC) through Ather Grid: Up to 15 km of range added in 10 minutes.

Battery Warranty & Expected Life

• Has a 3-year or 30,000 km warranty (whichever is sooner).
• Designed for more than 1,000 charging cycles with minimum degradation, providing several years of stable performance.

Features & Technology

The Ather Energy is filled with contemporary technology and rider-centric features that deliver both convenience and security. At the center is a 7-inch LCD digital screen that offers real-time ride metrics, battery health, and speed readings with high legibility even in harsh sunlight. The scooter features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect their smartphones and receive call and message notifications, audio control, and turn-by-turn navigation guidance via the Ather app.

Turn-by-turn integrated navigation, ride stats, and trip logs provide users with complete control over their rides. Safety is ensured through components such as CBS (Combined Braking System) for equal stopping force, regenerative braking to harness the energy while braking, and an auto-cutoff side stand sensor to avoid accidental acceleration. The Ather Energy can also receive over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades, allowing the scooter’s technology to remain up-to-date with the latest enhancements and features without ever needing a service appointment.

Digital Display & Connectivity

• 7-inch DeepView LCD with crisp visibility in sunny light.
• Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with smartphones.
• Direct access to ride statistics, battery level, and real-time alerts on the screen.

Navigation & Smart Integration

• Turn-by-turn navigation thanks to Google Maps integration.
• Ather App permits remote monitoring of battery charges, charging level, ride history, and theft notification.
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates to ensure the scooter’s software and features remain current.

Safety Features

• Combined Braking System (CBS) for a stable braking force.
• Regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration.
• IP-rated parts to manage rainy weather.

Price, Variants & Availability

The Ather 450S has been introduced in India at an ex-showroom price tag of ₹1.46 lakh, making it one of the most budget-friendly high-range premium electric scooters available in the segment. The scooter will initially be offered in major metropolitan cities and Tier-1 markets where Ather currently has its dealership and charging infrastructure presence.

Delivery is likely to commence within a few weeks of reservation, contingent upon location and variant selection. The Ather Energy has one performance-centric variant, with a range of colours to appeal to various buyers’ tastes. Competition-wise, it takes on the TVS iQube, Ola S1 Air, and Bajaj Chetak directly with a smoother riding experience and improved build quality at a comparable price. Its 161 km claimed range, coupled with premium features, makes it the top dog in the emerging EV two-wheeler segment.

Variants & Options

• Available in a single variant with the 3 kWh battery pack and base features currently.
• Several colour options are available, like Cosmic Black, Lunar Grey, Salt Green, and Space Grey.

Availability & Deliveries

• Bookings are open for major Indian cities at Ather Experience Centers as well as the company’s website.
• The deliveries are anticipated to start within 4–6 weeks of booking in metro cities, with rollouts in Tier-2 cities over the subsequent months.

Comparison with Rivals

Model	Price (Ex-Showroom)	Claimed Range	Top Speed
Ather 450S	₹1.46 lakh	161 km	90 km/h
TVS iQube	₹1.55 lakh	145 km	82 km/h
Ola S1 Air	₹1.20 lakh	151 km	90 km/h
Bajaj Chetak	₹1.35 lakh	126 km	73 km/h

Market Impact & Buyer Appeal

The Ather Energy 450S launch is a strategic coup for Ather Energy, aiming at a sweet spot in the EV two-wheeler segment — consumers looking for premium features and extended range without going over the ₹1.5 lakh level. Providing 161 km of range and performance at this price point, Ather is bringing high-end EV technology to more people.

The Ather Energy provides the brand’s class-leading build quality, connected tech, and riding pleasure, but without the additional expense of the 450X. This may draw in first-time EV buyers as well as current ICE scooter users wanting to go upmarket.

Ather Energy is capable of significantly increasing Ather’s market share in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where customers are highly price-sensitive. Its combination of affordability, range, and technology makes it a serious challenger to Ola, TVS, and Bajaj in the EV market.

Ather Energy helps India’s EV adoption push by showing that a high-range, feature-loaded electric scooter can be made affordable for a broader range of riders — possibly spurring the transition from petrol to electric two-wheelers.

Conclusion

The Ather Energy becomes the most poised mix of performance, range, and cost in the premium electric scooter segment. With its 161 km claimed range, sophisticated design, innovative connectivity features, and a competitive price of ₹1.46 lakh (ex-showroom), it becomes one of the most attractive EV choices in 2025.

For those looking for a chic, dependable, and future-proof two-wheeler without straining their purse strings, the 450S provides the ideal middle ground — bringing Ather’s performance DNA with a more affordable price sticker.

With India’s EV revolution gaining momentum, Ather Energy is poised to capture the hearts of both city dwellers and tech enthusiasts. If you are planning to switch to electric in 2025, this scooter is worth considering. Visit your nearest Ather showroom to check availability and schedule a test ride before the waiting list gets longer.

FAQs

Q1. How far does the Ather Energy go in the real world?

Ather Energy quotes an IDC range of 161 km; what you’d get in real-world city riding is more like 115–125 km, depending on your riding style, road type, and weather conditions.

Q2. How long does it take to charge the Ather Energy?

It takes approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes to charge completely using a home charger. With a DC fast charger (Ather Grid), you can achieve up to 15 km range in 10 minutes.

Q3. What is the top speed of the Ather Energy?

The Ather Energy is equipped with a top speed of 90 km/h, which is ideal for city drives as well as short highway drives.

Q4. What are the differences between Ather 450S and Ather 450X?

The Ather Energy is a lower-cost model with a marginally smaller battery and fewer luxury features than the 450X, yet it still uses similar styling and performance DNA.

Q5. Does the Ather Energy qualify for FAME-II subsidies?

It is eligible for FAME-II incentives in the majority of states, which can cut the on-road price further based on your location.

Q6. How long is the battery warranty on the Ather Energy?

Ather provides a 3-year or 30,000 km warranty on the battery and allows for extensions at additional cost.

Q7. When are deliveries of the Ather Energy starting?

Deliveries have commenced in major metro cities and will start in other areas in a phased manner in 2025.