Ather 450S : Ather Energy has strengthened its electric scooter lineup with the introduction of the 450S 3.7kWh variant, offering a significant range boost to 161km (IDC-certified) while maintaining the performance and features that made the original popular. Priced at ₹1.46 lakh (ex-showroom), this update specifically addresses range anxiety while keeping the scooter’s core identity intact.
The Big Upgrade: Larger Battery for Longer Rides
The headline improvement in this new variant is the 3.7kWh battery pack, previously exclusive to the premium 450X model. This substantial upgrade increases the certified range from 115km to 161km on a single charge – a 40% improvement that transforms the scooter’s practicality. Urban commuters can now confidently plan longer trips without frequent charging stops, while the battery still supports home charging via a standard 5A socket (taking approximately 6 hours for full charge). The inclusion of Ather’s Eight70 warranty guarantees minimum 70% battery health for 8 years/80,000km, addressing long-term ownership concerns.
Unchanged Performance: Zippy Urban Mobility
Performance specifications remain identical to the standard 450S, featuring a 5.4kW electric motor producing 22Nm torque. The scooter retains its 0-40km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds and 90km/h top speed, making it perfectly suited for city traffic conditions. Riders can still choose between four riding modes – Smart Eco, Eco, Ride, and Sport – allowing customization based on traffic conditions and range requirements. The combination of instant torque delivery and single-speed transmission ensures hassle-free urban commuting without gear shifts.
Ather 450S: Familiar Yet Functional Design
Ather has wisely retained the 450S’s proven design language – a sporty silhouette with clean lines that stands out in traffic. The 7-inch LCD dashboard continues to offer best-in-class features including:
- Turn-by-turn navigation (with Bluetooth connectivity)
- Hill Hold Assist for gradient starts
- FallSafe emergency alerts
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous improvement
Practical elements like the flat floorboard (for additional storage) and lightweight chassis (111kg kerb weight) enhance everyday usability. While the design isn’t revolutionary, its ergonomic seat and 1,293mm wheelbase strike a comfortable balance between agility and stability.
Competitive Pricing in Growing EV Segment
At ₹1.46 lakh, the 450S 3.7kWh commands a ₹16,000 premium over the standard 2.9kWh variant. This positions it against:
- Ola S1 Air (3kWh): ₹1.10 lakh
- TVS iQube ST (3.4kWh): ₹1.37 lakh
- Bajaj Chetak Premium (3.2kWh): ₹1.43 lakh
While not the cheapest option, Ather justifies the price with superior battery technology, extensive fast-charging network (Ather Grid), and better performance metrics. The company’s focus on software-driven features and build quality helps maintain its premium positioning.
Ather 450S: Who Should Consider It?
The 450S 3.7kWh variant makes compelling sense for:
- Tech-savvy urban commuters needing reliable 80-100km daily range
- Apartment dwellers who can’t charge daily (thanks to extended range)
- First-time EV buyers wanting Ather’s proven reliability with less range anxiety
Deliveries begin August 2025, with bookings open through Ather’s website and dealerships. For those prioritizing range, brand trust, and connected features over absolute affordability, this upgrade makes the 450S one of India’s most practical electric scooters today.
By addressing the single biggest barrier to EV adoption – range – while keeping other desirable attributes unchanged, Ather has created a no-compromise urban electric vehicle that should accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility.
