Ather Grid, one of India’s largest two-wheeler fast-charging networks, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Magenta ChargeGrid, India’s leading EV charging player , to install Ather Grid for electric two-wheelers across locations in the country. The partnership will give Ather access to Magenta ChargeGrid’s multiple locations across India aiming to to collectively accelerate the pace of expansion of public charging networks, thereby quickening the adoption of EVs in India.
Magenta ChargeGrid is currently expanding its charging network to 35-40 cities in India with the aim to set up a network of around 11000 chargers by the end of FY23. This partnership with Magenta ChargeGrid will give Ather Grid access to premium locations across Tier I, Tier II & Tier III cities and highways in India and provide wider coverage for EV customers. These locations are strategically placed to make it easily accessible to EV owners and will also have desired electricity load availability for operations of the chargers.
The company has been investing in strategic partnerships to alleviate range anxiety and increase EV adoption in the country. Ather has partnered with charging operators like Zeon Charging and retail partners like Decathlon,Cafe Coffee Day, Blue Tokai etc and 15 other brands.
Since its inception, Ather Energy has actively focussed on building a fast-charging network – Ather Grid and has also released its IP for the charging connector to all OEMs. Currently, Ather has installed around 330+ fast-charging Ather Grid Points across 35 cities in the country. One can charge up to 80% at 1.5 km/min at Ather’s fast charging Grid. In the next 3 years, Ather plans to install 5,000 fast chargers across India, and these strategic partnerships are progressive steps towards the goal.
Ather Energy has expanded its retail footprint across key cities in India and is currently present in 31 cities with 36 retail stores. Over the next three years, Ather plans to increase its annual production capacity to one million scooters from four lakhs by the end of 2022, develop new products and increase its network to 600 stores.
Magenta ChargeGrid has formed alliances with prominent DISCOMs across the country such as BSES, BESCOM and other key discoms with the goal of establishing a stronger EV charging ecosystem. The firm is also collaborating with multiple corporations in India with present association with bodies like Indore Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation. This is in addition to our ongoing strategic tie-ups with key hotel chains such as Fern, IBIS, amongst others, to build EV charging infrastructure within cities and on highways.
Since 2018, Magenta ChargeGrid has been developing EV solutions which are ‘Made in India and made for Indian weather conditions and usage. Under the three business verticals, (Magenta ChargeGrid chargers as a product, charging as a service (ChargeGrid) and eMobility (EVET), Magenta ChargeGrid provides integrated solutions to develop the whole EV ecosystem.
Ather is also all set to expand its retail presence in Kerala by opening 8 new experience centres in Tier 2&3 cities of Kerala like Kollam, Trichur, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. Ather Energy will have a total of thirteen retail stores across the state, after opening outlets in Kochi, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Tirur, and Malappuram. The rapid retail expansion in Kerala is driven by the phenomenal response to the Ather 450X and 450 Plus electric scooters and an overwhelming interest by retail partners.
Ather Energy has seen a surge in consumer interest and encouraging demand nearly 12X since the opening of the first Ather Space in Kerala last year. With the 8 new experience centres opening their doors to the customers, EV enthusiasts in Kerala can now test-ride and purchase the Ather 450X across multiple locations as per convenience.
Kerala being one of the largest markets for Ather Energy, has a high rate of EV adoption, and the market acceptance for premium electric two-wheelers has been encouraging. EV enthusiasts in the state have always appreciated the quality engineering and reliability offered by Ather and have seen the 450 series as an upgrade from its ICE counterparts.
The Ather 450X is the best and most awarded electric scooter available in the country today that is built and designed indigenously to cater to Indian conditions and usage patterns. It offers superior built quality, high-performance and truly intelligent electric scooters that are on par with the 125cc petrol scooters in the market. The cost of ownership for an Ather Energy vehicle is lower than its petrol counterparts over the long term.
Ather will be opening up in these cities in a staggered manner by Q2 2022 and will begin by setting up test rides to let consumers experience the vehicle. Ather has also been talking to prospective retail partners in these markets and has already begun locating spaces to set up its fast EV charging network, Ather Grid. Ather Energy has installed 40+ Ather Grid points at several critical points across Kerala. The company plans to add 8-10 more charging points in each of these 8 new cities to strengthen its charging grid network to provide smooth and hassle-free rides to EV owners in the state.
Ather Energy continues to gain strength in the two-wheeler EV space. Ather Energy has been registering a rising growth in sales over the past year, highlighting the strong demand for its electric scooters. Ather has recorded a 3X increase in walk-ins, web inquiries, and Test rides along with growth in vehicle bookings as well.
The Ather Space will be designed to educate customers about electric vehicles while providing a holistic experience in an interactive space. The Ather Space will provide a unique ownership experience along with complete service and support for the owners
The ex-showroom price post the Fame II revision for the Ather 450X is INR. 152,401 & INR 133,391 for the Ather 450 Plus in the Kerala market. 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.
