Ather Unveils 450 Apex Electric Scooter
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Ather’s latest offering, the 450 Apex, has finally hit the market after much anticipation. Priced at Rs 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom), this electric scooter aims to redefine the limits of the current platform, promising a unique and advanced riding experience.
Innovative Features and Performance:
The 450 Apex incorporates a 3.7kWh battery pack, akin to its predecessor, the 450X. However, a notable enhancement comes in the form of a regenerative braking system, boosting the claimed IDC range to an impressive 157km. The introduction of the ‘Magic Twist’ feature allows for deceleration without traditional brakes, a significant innovation in the electric scooter realm.
Design Aesthetics and Special Features:
While the overall design maintains continuity with the existing 450 platform, the 450 Apex introduces a distinctive Indium blue color for its body panels. The transparent rear panels reveal a vibrant orange chassis, adding a touch of flair to the scooter’s aesthetic. These design choices aim to set the 450 Apex apart from its predecessors.
Key features of the 450 Apex
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) |
| Power | 6 kW (peak) |
| Torque | 26 Nm |
| Battery | 2.9 kWh Lithium-ion battery |
| Range | 116 km (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 80 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds |
| Charging Time | 0-80% in 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Frame | Aluminum alloy frame |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork (front), Monoshock (rear) |
| Brakes | Disc brakes with ABS (front and rear) |
| Tyres | 120/80-14 (front), 140/70-14 (rear) |
| Wheelbase | 1290 mm |
| Seat Height | 780 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 108 kg |
| Features | LED lighting, 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, OTA updates, Navigation, Music playback, Multiple riding modes, Reverse mode, Charging station location tracking |
Enclosed Belt Drive System Debut:
Ather debuts its enclosed belt drive system with the 450 Apex, a technological addition set to become standard in all future models. However, it’s important to note that this system is not available for retrofitting to existing Ather models, marking a step towards the future of their electric scooters.
Pricing and Positioning:
Priced at Rs 1.89 lakh, the 450 Apex comes with a premium tag, Rs 21,000 more than the top-spec 450X. Ather, however, positions this model not as a commercially targeted product but as a passion project. Co-founder Tarun Mehta emphasizes its unique features and performance capabilities, suggesting it’s more about pushing boundaries than market competition.
Limited Production and Booking Details:
In a strategic move, Ather plans to produce the 450 Apex in limited numbers based on demand. The production timeline is set until October 2024, adding an element of exclusivity to this flagship model. Bookings are open, and deliveries are slated to begin in March 2024, offering enthusiasts a chance to secure their piece of Ather’s latest innovation.
Conclusion:
The Ather 450 Apex emerges as a groundbreaking addition to the electric scooter landscape, combining innovative features, enhanced performance, and a visually striking design. Despite its premium pricing, Ather’s focus on pushing technological boundaries and limited production strategy positions the 450 Apex as a unique and exclusive offering in the electric two-wheeler market.
Responses