Ather 450 Apex: Zabardast Performance at Rs. 1.95 Lakh!
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of electric scooter technology? The Ather 450 Apex is here to revolutionize your daily commute with its blend of style, power, and cutting-edge features.
This premium offering from Ather Energy promises to deliver an exhilarating ride that will leave you breathless. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Ather 450 Apex stand out in the crowded electric two-wheeler market.
Ather 450 Apex: An Overview
The Ather 450 Apex is the latest and most advanced electric scooter from Bengaluru-based Ather Energy. Positioned as the flagship model in their lineup, it builds upon the success of the 450X while pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. Launched in January 2024, the 450 Apex quickly caught the attention of electric vehicle enthusiasts and urban commuters alike.
What sets the 450 Apex apart from its siblings? For starters, it boasts a more powerful motor, a larger battery, and a host of exclusive features that justify its premium price tag. But is it worth the extra cost? Let’s break it down and find out.
Design and Aesthetics
One glance at the Ather 450 Apex, and you know it means business. The scooter retains the sleek and modern design language of its predecessors but adds a touch of exclusivity. The most striking feature is the transparent side panels that offer a glimpse of the scooter’s aluminum frame, showcasing its engineering prowess.
The 450 Apex comes in a unique Indium Blue color scheme, complemented by eye-catching orange accents on the wheels and subframe. This color combination not only looks stunning but also helps the scooter stand out on the road. The overall design exudes a sense of sportiness and premium quality that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Other notable design elements include:
- LED lighting all around, including a distinctive headlight cluster
- A sleek and aerodynamic body shape
- 12-inch alloy wheels with sporty design
- A comfortable seat with ample space for two riders
- A spacious 22-liter under-seat storage compartment
Performance and Powertrain
The heart of the Ather 450 Apex is its powerful electric powertrain. It features a PMS (Permanent Magnet Synchronous) motor that delivers a peak power output of 7kW and an impressive 26Nm of torque. This represents a significant upgrade over the 450X, which produces 6.4kW of peak power.
But what does this mean in real-world performance? The 450 Apex can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, making it 0.5 seconds quicker than the 450X. This rapid acceleration is perfect for zipping through city traffic or making quick getaways at traffic lights.
The top speed has also been increased to 100 km/h, up from the 90 km/h limit of the 450X. This higher top speed not only adds to the thrill factor but also makes the scooter more capable on open roads and highways.
Powering this performance is a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is larger than the one found in the 450X. This increased battery capacity translates to better range and performance. Speaking of range, the Ather 450 Apex offers:
- A certified range of 157 km per charge
- A TrueRange™ of 110 km in Smart Eco mode
- 75 km range in the performance-oriented Warp+ mode
Charging and Battery Life
One of the key concerns for electric vehicle owners is charging time and battery life. The Ather 450 Apex addresses these issues with its advanced battery technology and charging capabilities. Here’s what you need to know:
Charging time: The 450 Apex can be fully charged from 0 to 100% in approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes using the standard home charger. This is slightly longer than the 450X due to the larger battery capacity, but still manageable for overnight charging.
Fast charging: For those times when you need a quick top-up, the 450 Apex is compatible with Ather’s fast-charging network. While specific fast-charging times aren’t mentioned in the search results, you can expect significantly reduced charging times at Ather Grid fast-charging stations.
Battery warranty: Ather offers a standard 3-year or 30,000 km warranty on the battery. However, they’ve introduced an extended warranty program called Ather Battery Protect, which extends the coverage to 5 years or 60,000 km. The best part? This extended warranty is available for just Re. 1, making it an excellent value proposition.
Features and Technology
The Ather 450 Apex is packed with features that set it apart from traditional scooters and even other electric models. At the heart of its tech offerings is a 7-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard powered by a Snapdragon processor. This bright and responsive display provides access to a wealth of information and features, including:
- Turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous improvement
- Ride statistics and performance data
- Music control (when paired with a smartphone)
The 450 Apex also introduces a new Warp+ Immersive UI, which enhances the riding experience in the high-performance Warp+ mode. This feature adds a new level of engagement for riders who crave excitement.
Other notable features include:
- Multiple riding modes: Smart Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+
- AutoHold technology for effortless stops on inclines
- Reverse mode for easy maneuvering in tight spaces
- Emergency Stop Signal for enhanced safety
- Coasting regeneration to maximize range
Ride and Handling
The Ather 450 Apex is built on a strong aluminum frame that provides excellent rigidity and handling characteristics. The suspension setup consists of a telescopic fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, offering a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
Braking duties are handled by a 200mm disc at the front and a 190mm disc at the rear. While the scooter doesn’t feature ABS, it does come equipped with a Combined Braking System (CBS) for safer and more controlled stops.
The 12-inch wheels are shod with MRF tires, providing good grip and stability. With a ground clearance of 170mm, the 450 Apex can easily tackle speed bumps and uneven roads without scraping its underbelly.
Pricing and Variants
The Ather 450 Apex is available in a single, fully-loaded variant priced at Rs. 1,94,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). This pricing positions it as a premium offering in the electric scooter segment. While it may seem steep compared to some competitors, the 450 Apex justifies its price with its superior performance, features, and build quality.
It’s worth noting that Ather hasn’t applied for FAME 2 subsidy for the 450 Apex, which means the price you see is the price you pay, without any additional government incentives.
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Bengaluru) |
|---|---|
| Ather 450 Apex | Rs. 1,94,999 |
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex?
While the ARAI-certified range is 157 km, the real-world range varies based on riding conditions and mode selection. In Smart Eco mode, you can expect a TrueRange™ of 110 km, while in the performance-oriented Warp+ mode, the range drops to about 75 km per charge.
Q2. How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex?
A full charge from 0 to 100% takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes using the standard home charger. Fast charging options are available at Ather Grid stations for quicker top-ups, though specific fast-charging times aren’t mentioned in the search results.
Q3. What makes the Ather 450 Apex different from the 450X?
The 450 Apex features a more powerful motor (7kW vs 6.4kW), higher top speed (100 km/h vs 90 km/h), quicker acceleration (0-40 km/h in 2.9s vs 3.4s), and exclusive design elements like transparent side panels and a unique color scheme. It also comes with the new Warp+ mode and Immersive UI for a more engaging riding experience.
Q4. Is the Ather 450 Apex worth its premium price?
If you’re looking for the best performance and features in an electric scooter, the 450 Apex offers a compelling package. Its superior acceleration, higher top speed, and exclusive features justify the premium for enthusiasts and tech-savvy riders. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the 450X or 450S might offer better value.
Q5. What is the warranty coverage for the Ather 450 Apex?
Ather offers a standard 3-year or 30,000 km warranty on the battery. Additionally, you can opt for the Ather Battery Protect extended warranty, which covers the battery for 5 years or 60,000 km at a nominal cost of Re. 1, providing excellent long-term peace of mind.
Wrapping Up
The Ather 450 Apex represents the pinnacle of electric scooter technology in India. With its powerful motor, advanced features, and striking design, it offers an unparalleled riding experience for those willing to invest in a premium electric vehicle. While its higher price tag may give some buyers pause, the 450 Apex delivers performance and technology that justify the cost for enthusiasts and early adopters. As electric mobility continues to evolve, the Ather 450 Apex stands as a shining example of what’s possible in the world of two-wheeled EVs.
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