Ather starts work on new Zenith and EL EV platforms

The Ather Zentih platform will underpin future e-bikes, while the EL architecture will underpin future e-scooters from the brand.

Published On Sep 10, 2024 03:28:00 PM

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Ather is readying not one but two new electric two-wheeler platforms – an all-new electric motorcycle platform called "Zenith" and a new e-scooter platform named "EL." The Zenith platform is being designed to support new electric two-wheelers targeting the 125-300cc motorcycle segments, while the new EL platform will serve as a more cost-effective and versatile platform for Ather’s scooter line-up for the future.

The company currently offers two electric scooter models – the 450 and the Rizta – with a total of seven variants, all based on the same platform.

Scope of an electric Ather motorcycle

Though electrification in India is being driven by two-wheelers, the electric motorcycle segment is yet to see significant traction, with limited offerings from a few brands such as Tork, Revolt and Ultraviolette. Ather Energy believes that e-motorcycles offer a significant opportunity to expand the addressable market. With motorcycles accounting for around 63 percent of the volume, the company sees EV penetration in this space, hitting 10 percent by the end of this decade.

India's largest electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric is working on a portfolio of four electric motorcycles and plans to launch its first electric motorcycle in the first half of FY26. It also has plans to expand its portfolio to the mass-market motorcycle segment in the long run.

New EL platform to expand Ather's scooter range

Meanwhile, the new EL platform for scooters is in advanced stages of development. The new scooter platform will incorporate a new powertrain, electronics and chassis platform, while using elements of the battery and Atherstack from the current Ather 450 platform.

"The EL platform will allow us to develop a diverse range of scooter models tailored to various domestic and international market needs, and reduce our costs," the company noted. Ather Energy did not disclose the timeline for the launch of the two new platforms.

The automaker will manufacture models based on the new platforms at its upcoming facility in Aurangabad (Maharashtra). The production at the facility will start in a phased manner, from May 2026. Currently, the company has two manufacturing facilities in Hosur (Tamil Nadu) with a combined capacity of 4.2 lakh units per year. During the financial year 2024, Ather Energy sold a total of 1.10 lakh electric two-wheelers, up from 92,093 units sold in the financial year 2023.

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