New Ather Scooter Spotted: Could Be A Rival To The TVS iQube
The family oriented design will attract a wider audience
A new Ather scooter was spotted testing and we suspect this could be the company’s answer to the popularity of commuter centric e-scooters like the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak.
The test scooter featured a similar boxy design as the TVS iQube and overall the scooter looks more family oriented with its large pillion grab handles and spacious floorboard. This is a departure from the earlier sporty design language that Ather had employed in their models like the 450X and 450S.
Judging by the photos we can see that the scooter comes with the same wheels as the 450X but gets a foldable pillion footrest, seemingly as standard. This is in contrast to the 450 range where Ather had developed it later, that too as an optional fitment. The rear view mirrors are similar to the ones on the 450X but the mirror stalks are simpler, presumably to keep the costs in check.
The upcoming Ather family electric scooter could come with a range similar to the Ather 450S. For reference, it gets a 2.9kWh battery and a certified range of 115km. That said, expect Ather to offer a low range variant first, followed by a higher range variant later. This will help both budget buyers and those who are looking to go for the top-of-the-line version.
As far as features are concerned, we expect the scooter to get the same LCD console as the 450S with smartphone connectivity and riding modes. The scooter is expected to be launched around late 2024 or early 2025. It could be priced at the same range as the Ather 450S, perhaps around Rs 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom, including FAME 2 subsidy). For perspective, the Ather 450S costs Rs 1,30,000 (ex-showroom, including FAME 2 subsidy and the introductory Rs 5,000 discount). If our expected prices turns out to be true, then this will allow Ather to cater to two different customers with specifically designed scooters although at the same price point.
In other news, Ather’s CEO had confirmed that transparent panels will be making a comeback, possibly in a new variant of the 450X, read all about it here.
Govind
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