Ather 450 X

OVERVIEW & PRICE

PERFORMANCE AND MOTER

The Ather 450X uses a 6.4 kW permanent magnet motor, delivering 8.1 PS peak power and 26 Nm of torque for quick acceleration. It goes from 0 to 40 kmph in just over 3 seconds and hits 60 kmph in about 6.1 seconds. Riders can pick from modes like Smart Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp to focus on either range or speed. There are also traction control modes for Rain, Road, and Rally, which experienced riders can turn off if they prefer.

The Ather 450X uses a belt drive and direct electric motor, giving smooth and instant power without needing a manual gearbox. It starts with the push of a button and has regenerative braking to help the battery last longer. The top speed is capped at 90 kmph, which fits well for city and nearby travel, balancing performance, safety, and efficiency for everyday use.

RANGE

The Ather 450X offers two battery variants with different ARAI-certified ranges:

1. 2.9 kWh Battery : Approximately 126 km range per full charge, charging time of about 4.3 hours.
2. 3.7 kWh Battery : Roughly 161 km range per charge, charging time of about 5.45 hours.

These ARAI numbers come from test conditions, so real-world ranges are a bit lower. The 3.7 kWh version gets up to 130 km, and the 2.9 kWh version offers about 105-110 km. Actual range depends a lot on which mode you use and the traffic. Smart Eco mode gives the best distance at lower speeds. The efficient motor, regenerative braking, and MRF Zapper tires also help with range and grip on Indian roads.

CHARGING

The Ather 450X is easy to charge, which suits city and semi-urban life in India. It comes with two battery choices:

1. 2.9 kWh battery: Charges from 0 to 80% in about 3 hours with the Ather Duo charger. A full charge takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes with a portable home charger.
2. 3.7 kWh battery: Requires about 5 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge with a standard home charger.

Ather Energy has set up a public charging network called Ather Grid, with over 430 fast chargers in 38 cities in Tamil Nadu and more than 2,500 across India. The smart charger links to an app, so users can find nearby charging points and get alerts when the battery is low. This network, along with fast home charging, helps reduce waiting time and supports daily commuting.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

1.Motor and Powertrain

1. Powered by a 6.4 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) delivering smooth and responsive performance.
2. The motor has an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for varied Indian road conditions.

2.Battery and Range

1. Available in two battery variants: 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh.
2. Claimed ARAI range of up to 126 km per charge (3.7 kWh variant).
3. Improved “TrueRange” in real-world usage: 105 km for 2.9 kWh and 130 km for 3.7 kWh battery versions.

3.Charging

1. Supports fast charging with the Ather Duo charger.
2. 0-80% charge time reduced to approximately 3 hours (2.9 kWh battery).
3. Home charging capability with a portable charger included.

4.Riding Modes and Traction Control

1. Multiple riding modes for efficiency and performance tuning: Smart Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp.
2. Multi-mode traction control with three selectable levels: Rain, Road, and Rally (for off-road conditions).
3. Option to disable traction control for experienced riders.

5.Regenerative Braking and Magic Twist

1. Regenerative braking system for energy recovery and improved range.
2. he Magic Twist feature enables the throttle grip to be twisted backwards, allowing for smooth speed regulation without braking and reducing brake wear.

6.Braking System

1. Front and rear disc brakes, along with a Combi Brake System (CBS), for enhanced safety and braking efficiency.
2. An Electronic Brake System (EBS) is used to assist in smoother braking control.

7.Instrumentation and Connectivity

1. 7-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen digital display with high resolution.
2. Integrated Google Maps navigation for real-time route guidance.
3. Bluetooth connectivity supporting notifications, including WhatsApp and Alexa voice control.
4. ‘Ping My Scooter’ feature for easy vehicle locating via app.
5. Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates for continual feature improvements.

8.Smartphone Integration

1. Compatible with a mobile app providing detailed ride stats,charging station locator,service reminders,and remote control features

9.Utilities and Comfort

1. Underseat storage capacity of 22 litres for helmets and other essentials.
2. USB charging port for device charging.
3. Passenger footrest and carry hook for convenience.
4. Side-stand motor cut-off and park assist for safety and user ease.

10.Build and Durability Features

1. Dashboard with 16 GB storage and 2 GB RAM, ensuring smooth UI performance.
2. Water and dust resistance up to IP65, making it robust for Indian weather conditions.

11.Warranty and Support

1. Eight70’s warranty program includes up to 8 years or 80,000 km coverage with a 70% battery health guarantee during this period.

BUILD QUALITY

The Ather 450X stands out for its strong build and high-quality finish, making it one of the best-built electric scooters in India. Its sharp, angular design gives it a sporty and modern look, which suits city riders well.

Key build quality highlights include:

1. Robust body panels: The plastics used are of good quality, with tight and consistent panel gaps that reflect careful assembly standards.
2. High-quality paint finish: The paintwork is neat and imperfection-free, and the scooter comes in new colours like Hyper Sand and Stealth Blue, which enhance its visual appeal.
3. Well-finished switchgear: While not luxury-grade, the switches and controls are durable and ergonomically positioned for ease of use.
4. Chassis and frame: The lightweight chassis, weighing around 108 kg, strikes a fine balance between sturdiness and agility, contributing to confident handling.
5. Additional features: The scooter boasts modern elements, including LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a Combi Brake System, all of which are fitted with precise craftsmanship.

Riders and reviewers in India commend the 450X for its consistently high build quality, which reinforces its value beyond just performance and technology. The premium feel and tight assembly give confidence in durability and long-term use across varied Indian road conditions.

HANDLING

The Ather 450X is known for being agile and fun to ride. It handles crowded city traffic well and accelerates quickly, making it easy to overtake other vehicles.

A standout feature is its multi-level traction control, which includes Rain, Road, and Rally modes, enhancing stability on various road surfaces. The Rally mode enables controlled slips, which are particularly helpful on loose or uneven terrain. The scooter is equipped with front and rear disc brakes.

Still, some riders note that the rear can lock up suddenly due to the regenerative braking system, requiring adjustments in riding style.

Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to manoeuvre in urban settings, and the rider triangle feels balanced for most users. While the suspension handles city roads and potholes adequately, taller riders may experience some discomfort due to limited knee room on longer rides.

COMFORT

The 450X is designed for city rides and performs well on both smooth and slightly rough roads. It handles Indian city streets, which often have potholes, with a firm suspension that strikes a balance between sporty handling and comfort. Most commuters enjoy the ride and get good feedback from the road, but it might not be the best choice for long trips or very rough roads.

The seat is comfortable enough for one person. Still, some users say the pillion space and floorboard feel tight when riding with two people. Since Indian traffic often involves stopping and starting, most find this manageable. The scooter’s quiet engine and smooth power make city rides more comfortable by cutting down on noise and giving a steady ride.

STYLING

The Ather 450X retains the sleek and sporty design language that has defined its appeal in the Indian electric scooter market over the years. The styling is aggressive yet youthful, with sharp body lines, a well-integrated LED headlight, and LED indicators that contribute to its modern and premium look. The fascia features a distinctive digital instrument cluster and clean panelling, emphasising a minimalist yet tech-forward design ethos.

While the overall silhouette and frame remain unchanged from previous models, the latest update subtly enhances the scooter’s street presence with fresh new colour options and premium finishes. The compact frame and upright riding posture contribute to its agile and nimble character, making it ideal for Indian urban roads.

COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

Ather Energy offers the Ather 450X in a striking palette of seven colour schemes, combining glossy and matte finishes that appeal to varied tastes:

1. Lunar Grey
2. Still White
3. Space Grey
4. Cosmic Black
5. True Red
6. Stealth Blue
7. Hyper Sand

These bright and varied colours let buyers in India pick a 450X that matches their style and city life, while keeping the scooter’s sporty and modern look.

The Ather 450X is available in four main variants differentiated primarily by battery pack size and feature sets, catering to diverse user needs and budgets:

1. 450X 2.9 kWh: The base model with a claimed true range of around 105 km, equipped with standard features.
2. 450X 3.7 kWh: Offers an extended range of approximately 130 km, suitable for those seeking longer urban commutes.
3. 450X Stack Pro 2.9 kWhBuilds upon the base variant with added premium features such as Google Maps integration, Alexa voice assistant, WhatsApp notifications on the dashboard, live location sharing, and a “Ping My Scooter” feature.
4. 450X Stack Pro 3.7 kWh: Combines the larger battery pack’s increased range with the full suite of advanced connectivity and convenience features found in the Pro Pack.

full suite of advanced connectivity and convenience features found in the Pro Pack.
Prices for these variants start from around Rs. 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru) for the base 2.9 kWh variant and increase to approximately Rs. 1.80 lakh for the fully loaded Pro Pack with the 3.7 kWh battery. The Pro Pack, while offering notable technology and connectivity perks, comes at a premium cost compared to the standard models.

This range of options allows buyers in India to choose a model that suits their needs, budget, and preferred features. This trend is becoming increasingly common in the urban electric vehicle market.

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The Ather 450X is a premium electric scooter in India, with ex-showroom prices starting at ₹ 1,46,999. This price reflects a slight increase due to new features, including multi-mode traction control, Magic Twist regenerative braking, and co-developed tyres with MRF for improved range and traction.

For advanced features like Google Maps navigation, Alexa integration, WhatsApp notifications, live location sharing, and the “Ping My Scooter” feature, Ather offers the Pro Pack as an optional upgrade, adding around ₹17,000 to ₹20,000 to the scooter’s price, pushing fully loaded variants closer to ₹1.80 lakh.

The 450X is one of the most feature-rich electric scooters in India, boasting a range of 105 km for the 2.9 kWh model and 130 km for the 3.7 kWh variant under ideal conditions. Important safety features and an 8-year battery warranty enhance its appeal for urban commuting.

However, the higher price, especially with the Pro Pack, makes it more expensive than many budget electric scooters. Buyers should consider whether the extra tech and range are worth the added cost compared to basic models.

Key competitors include the

1. Bajaj Chetak
2. TVS iQube
3. Ola S1 Pro
4. Hero Electric Photon
5. Hero Electric Optima.

The Ather 450X distinguishes itself with its robust features, safety systems, and connected ecosystem, targeting urban riders who desire a smart and advanced electric scooter.