Ather 450S: Desi Swag on Two Wheels – Price, Range, and More!
Are you ready to experience the future of urban mobility? The Ather 450S is here to revolutionize your daily commute with its blend of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
This electric scooter is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement on wheels. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Ather 450S stand out in the crowded electric two-wheeler market.
Ather 450S: An Overview
The Ather 450S is the latest offering from Ather Energy, a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer that has been making waves in the Indian automotive industry. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the premium 450X model, the 450S doesn’t skimp on features or performance.
With its sleek design and impressive specifications, the Ather 450S is aimed at urban commuters who want a stylish, eco-friendly ride without breaking the bank. But don’t let its lower price tag fool you – this scooter packs a punch when it comes to performance and technology.
The 450S shares many features with its more expensive sibling, the 450X, but comes with a smaller battery and a slightly less powerful motor. This strategic move allows Ather to offer a high-quality electric scooter at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for a wider range of consumers.
Design and Aesthetics
One glance at the Ather 450S, and you know it’s not your average scooter. The design is a perfect blend of form and function, with sleek lines and a modern aesthetic that’s sure to turn heads on the street. The angular body panels give it a sporty look, while the LED lighting all around adds a touch of sophistication.
The front apron houses a distinctive LED headlight, flanked by LED indicators integrated into the handlebar cowl. At the rear, you’ll find an inverted U-shaped LED tail lamp with integrated turn signals, completing the scooter’s futuristic appearance.
Available in four eye-catching colors – Cosmic Black, Salt Green, Space Grey, and Still White – the 450S allows you to express your personal style. The scooter’s compact dimensions (1891mm length, 739mm width, and 1114mm height) make it perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while its 170mm ground clearance ensures you can tackle speed bumps and potholes with ease.
Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the Ather 450S is a 2.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack coupled with a 5.4 kW PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor). This powertrain delivers a punchy performance that’s perfect for urban riding conditions. The motor generates a maximum torque of 22 Nm, ensuring quick acceleration and smooth power delivery.
The 450S boasts a top speed of 90 km/h, making it capable of keeping up with city traffic and even handling short highway stretches. In terms of acceleration, it can go from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, providing that instant torque kick that electric vehicles are known for.
One of the standout features of the 450S is its range. Ather claims an ARAI-certified range of 115 km on a single charge, with real-world figures varying based on riding conditions and mode selection. The scooter offers multiple riding modes – Smart Eco, Ride, and Sport – allowing you to balance performance and efficiency according to your needs.
Charging and Battery Life
Charging the Ather 450S is a straightforward process. The scooter comes with a home charging point that can be easily installed in your parking space. From 0 to 80% charge takes about 6 hours and 36 minutes, while a full charge from 0 to 100% requires 8 hours and 36 minutes.
For those times when you need a quick top-up, the 450S is compatible with Ather’s fast-charging network. A 10-minute charge at an Ather Grid fast charger can add up to 15 km of range, perfect for those last-minute errands.
Ather has also introduced Optimised Charging 2.0, a smart feature that takes the battery up to 80% when plugged in during the evening, holds the charge level through the night, and only completes the charge to 100% in the early hours of the morning. This helps prolong battery life and ensures your scooter is ready to go when you are.
Features and Technology
The Ather 450S comes packed with features that set it apart from traditional scooters. At the center of its tech offerings is a 7-inch LCD console that provides all the information you need at a glance. While it’s not the touchscreen unit found on the 450X, it still offers excellent readability, even in bright sunlight.
Some key features of the 450S include:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Navigation with turn-by-turn directions
- Digital document storage
- Over-the-air updates
- Auto-indicator cut off
- Reverse mode
- Hill hold assist
For those who want even more features, Ather offers a Pro Pack upgrade. This optional package adds features like ride modes, coasting regeneration, and an emergency stop signal, among others.
Ride and Handling
The Ather 450S shines when it comes to ride quality and handling. Its lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension make it agile and easy to maneuver in city traffic. The telescopic front forks and rear monoshock absorb road imperfections well, providing a comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect roads.
Braking duties are handled by a 200mm disc at the front and a 190mm disc at the rear, both equipped with combined braking system (CBS) for added safety. The 12-inch wheels with 90/90 tubeless tires provide good grip and stability, inspiring confidence during cornering and sudden maneuvers.
Pricing and Variants
The Ather 450S is priced competitively, making it an attractive option in the premium electric scooter segment. As of the latest update, the ex-showroom price in Bengaluru stands at Rs. 1,29,999. However, prices may vary slightly depending on your location and any ongoing promotions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pricing structure:
Variant | Price (Ex-showroom, Bengaluru) |
---|---|
Ather 450S Standard | Rs. 1,29,999 |
Ather 450S with Pro Pack | Rs. 1,42,998 |
The Pro Pack, which adds several advanced features, is available for an additional Rs. 12,999. Ather also offers an extended battery warranty called Ather Battery Protect, which has been significantly reduced in price to just Re. 1, making it an excellent value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the real-world range of the Ather 450S?
While the ARAI-certified range is 115 km, real-world range varies based on riding conditions and mode selection. In SmartEco mode, you can expect around 90 km, while in Sport mode, the range drops to about 70 km per charge.
Q2. How long does it take to charge the Ather 450S?
A full charge from 0 to 100% takes approximately 8 hours and 36 minutes using the home charger. However, you can get up to 80% charge in about 6 hours and 36 minutes.
Q3. Is the Ather 450S good for daily commuting?
Absolutely! The 450S is designed with urban commuters in mind. Its comfortable ride, decent range, and compact size make it ideal for daily city use. Plus, features like hill hold assist and reverse mode make it convenient to use in various urban scenarios.
Q4. How does the Ather 450S compare to its competitors?
The Ather 450S offers a compelling package in terms of performance, features, and pricing. While it may not have the highest range in its class, it makes up for it with its build quality, ride comfort, and advanced features. It’s a strong contender against rivals like the Ola S1 Pro and TVS iQube.
Q5. What is the battery warranty on the Ather 450S?
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 at a nominal cost of Re. 1, which is an excellent deal for long-term peace of mind.
Wrapping Up
The Ather 450S represents a significant step forward in making premium electric scooters more accessible to the Indian market. With its blend of style, performance, and technology, it offers a compelling package for urban commuters looking to make the switch to electric. While it may have some limitations in terms of range compared to its more expensive sibling, the 450S more than makes up for it with its competitive pricing and feature set. If you’re in the market for an electric scooter that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance, the Ather 450S should definitely be on your radar.
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