Ather Energy has updated its website informing about revision in pricing of their two 340 and 450 electric scooters. These are now priced up Rs.3,480 as compared to the earlier pricing. Ather 340, which was earlier priced at Rs.1,09,750 is now increased to Rs.1,13,230 while Ather 450 is increased from Rs.1,24,750 to Rs.1,28,230. This price includes the FAME subsidy for electric vehicles and also the Rs. 500 cess levied by the Government of Karnataka.
The price increase is not due to Ather Energy, but due to the new rule which mandates 5 year third- party insurance as compared to the One year third-party insurance sold previously. Therefore, INR 2980/- is on behalf of the insurance besides the INR 500 CESS applicable.
Ather scooters are only on sale in Bangalore as of now. Their order books are full till Sep 2019. Apart from offering electric scooters, the company is also heavily invested in setting up EV charging stations across the city, which can also be used by all EV users in the city. These are called Ather Grid.
The company next plans to launch scooters in Chennai, in June 2019. Pre-order interests can be registered on the Ather website. Those who register, will get invited for test rides and events. Deliveries will be given priority to those who register.
Just like Bangalore, Ather Grids will also be launched across Chennai. This charging Grid will be located at malls, tech parks and cafes for easy access and will be offered free of cost for all electric vehicles for the first six months.
In terms of features, the Ather 340 and 450 sport similar features and styling. The two electric scooters sport full LED lights and get a 7” capacitive touchscreen for navigation and other functions. They are set apart in terms of power output, range and acceleration. Ather 340 offers a range of 60 km, acceleration from 0 to 40 kmph in 5.1 seconds and top speed of 70 kmph. Ather 450 on the other hand offers a range of 75 km on full charge, acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds and acceleration upto a top speed of 80 kmph.
After Chennai, the company plans to commence operations in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi. Ather Energy has set a target of being present in 30 cities across the country in the next couple of years.
