Ather 450S launched at 1.3 lakh, records impressive sales of 15,256 in May 2023
Delhi : Electric scooter costs have increased dramatically as a result of the new FAME II subsidies, which are in force as of right now. For Ather, the price of 450X is now Rs. 1.45 lakh, while the price of 450X Pro Pack is now Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh, Karnataka). A new base model from Ather would run you Rs. 1.3 lakh (excluding of state subsidies). The eagerly anticipated Ather 450S is here.
Key information was made public for the first time on the company's website. Bookings will start in July, and potential buyers can register their interest on the official website. Dates of delivery have not yet been disclosed by Ather.
Ather 450S Launched For Rs. 1.3 Lakh
To begin with, Ather 450S will cost the same as the 450X Pro Pack did before FAME II Revision. This demonstrates the destructive effects upgraded FAME II subsidies have on EV cost and sales. The new base model, the 450S, will cost less than the 450X and come with fewer features, a smaller battery, and a shorter range. How tiny is the battery, and how tiny is the range?
The battery will have a 3 kWh capacity, which is sufficient for a 115 km IDC (Indian Driving Conditions) range per charge. Both the 450X and 450X Pro Pack receive a bigger 3.7 kWh battery in comparison. When it comes to performance, Ather doesn't cut any shortcuts. The new base 450S model has a top speed of 90 km/h, the same as the 450X and 450X Pro Pack models.
"The 450 platform has been immensely successful for us, and we wanted to make it available to a wider set of buyers," said Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy. For people eager to enter the electric market but who want the quality and assurance that Ather scooters offer, the 450S will be our new entry-level model. The 450S will raise the standard in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance within the category and will provide first-of-their-kind tech innovations in the performance scooter class.
Why has the cost increased?
The FAME II subsidy programme, which the Indian government just updated, now provides fewer subsidies to EV customers. Prior to this change, EV customers were eligible for a rebate of Rs. 15,000 per kWh and an incentive ceiling of 40% of the ex-sh price. The incentive maximum has been decreased to 15% of the ex-sh price, and the plan has now been updated to Rs. 10,000 per kWh.
This increases the price of EVs, making all EVs more expensive as of today, June 1, 2023. This is the cause of the increased price of the Ather 450X (ex-sh, Karnataka) to Rs. 1.45 lakh and the 450X Pro Pack to Rs. 1.65 lakh. Recently announced Ather 450S mostly competes with Ola S1 Air.
May 2023: Ather Sales
In May 2023, sales of Ather electric scooters were 15,256 units. In comparison to May 2022, when they had sold 3,787 units, this represented a 357% YoY rise. Sales have increased month over month, with Ather selling 8,182 units in April 2023.
