To meet the strong consumer demand in Bengaluru, Ather Energy, India’s leading electric scooter manufacturer, inaugurated its second experience centre – Ather Space, in JP Nagar. This is the first market where Ather is introducing multiple experience centres, partnering with Karnataka’s leading auto retailer, BIA Ventures. The Ather 450X, India’s quickest and smartest scooter, alongside the Ather 450 Plus will be available to test ride and purchase at Ather Space.
Ather Energy has seen a surge in demand, nearly 30X, since January 2021, with the second Experience centre opening its doors, customers from South Bengaluru can now purchase and test-ride the Ather 450X from a convenient location in JP Nagar. The new Ather Space is designed to educate customers about electric vehicles while providing a holistic experience in an interactive space. Ather Space is well equipped to provide a unique ownership experience along with complete service and support for the owners.
Ather Energy is one of the few OEMs who also invests in building a charging infrastructure in the markets before launch. The company already has 33 fast charging locations, Ather Grid across the city in places like Whitefiled, Indiranagar, Jayanagar, J P Nagar, etc. Ather Energy intends to reach 50 locations by the end of this year to strengthen the charging network to provide smooth and stress-free rides for EV owners in the city. There is a total of 142 charging points set up across 22 cities by Ather Energy, making easy and fast charging a reality for EV owners in India. Ather Energy also helps consumers in setting up their home chargers and has installed home chargers across 993 apartment complexes in the city over the last three years.
In the past few weeks, FAME 2 revisions have further reduced the prices of all electric two- wheelers, with a 50% increase in the subsidy. Also, the Karnataka Government has waived off the registration fee and road tax for electric two-wheelers. The new ex-showroom price of the Ather 450X is Rs144,500 & Rs125,490 for the Ather 450 Plus in Bengaluru. Considering the total cost of ownership of a comparable 125cc scooter, Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus owners can now breakeven their investment in 18-24 months and will begin to save nearly Rs.2 per km in the years after.
Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “The response we are getting from Bangalore is phenomenal, and there has been a really sharp rise in the number of test ride requests that we are receiving. We are opening our second experience centre in Bangalore to meet the consumer demand which has increased by multiple folds.”
Also, with the new revision in FAME II policy, he said the EV adoption rate will further increase and they expect to open more experience centres in Bangalore and across other cities.
“BIA Ventures have been a great partner and support to open up the second Experience Centre. Their expertise in the auto sector is commendable and it was their enthusiasm that helped us open the showroom in no time.”
Nivedita, Managing Director, BIA Ventures, said, “BIA Ventures – a subsidiary of the Cauvery group, is very proud to be a part of the Ather family. Ather Energy has redefined the two-wheeler riding experience in India by meticulously designing electric scooters that are super quick and intelligent. They have built an entire ecosystem around electric vehicles and are extremely focused on end-to-end customer experience.”
She said Ather Energy’s uniquely innovative products, charging infrastructure, and customer service are designed to enhance customer experience and they are confident that they will witness strong demand in the coming months. “The experience center is a reflection of the brand and product story. We are excited to drive the EV revolution forward along with Ather Energy.”