Ather Energy , a prominent player in the electric two-wheeler market, saw its shares climb following the announcement of a groundbreaking new electric scooter platform. The stock price surged by 5.45% intraday to Rs 474.70 before settling 3.17% higher at Rs 464.40.

New Platform Launch

The rally in Ather Energy's stock came on the heels of the company unveiling its new electric scooter platform, dubbed 'EL', at the Ather Community Day event in Bengaluru. This innovative platform is set to revolutionize the company's production process and potentially boost its market position.

Key Features of the EL Platform

• Reduces e-scooter parts to just 15 at the vehicle level
• Makes assembly 15% faster
• Cuts production costs by 15%

The first product utilizing this new platform is expected to hit the market next year, potentially strengthening Ather's competitive edge in the rapidly growing electric two-wheeler segment.

Market Share and Growth Prospects

Tarun Mehta, co-founder of Ather Energy, expressed optimism about the company's future, stating that achieving a 20% market share is within reach in the near term. This confidence is not unfounded, as Ather currently holds a 17% share of the domestic electric two-wheeler market, doubling its position from the same quarter last year.

Stock Performance

Ather Energy's stock has demonstrated impressive performance over the past year:

Analyst Outlook

The market sentiment towards Ather Energy remains positive:

• Four analysts maintain 'buy' ratings on the stock
• The average 12-month price target suggests a marginal 0.40% downside

As Ather Energy continues to innovate and expand its market presence, investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the impact of the new EL platform on the company's growth trajectory and market position in the competitive electric two-wheeler sector.

Ather Energy , India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans and technological advancements while its CEO voices concerns over government policies. The company recently held its Community Day 2025 event in Bengaluru, showcasing a series of innovations and expressing criticism towards India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Aggressive Expansion and Market Share Goals

Ather Energy, currently the second-largest player in India's EV scooter market, announced plans to expand from 200 outlets to 700 stores by FY26. CEO Tarun Mehta outlined the company's strategy to compete on product quality rather than discounts, maintaining focus on premium experiences above ₹1 lakh price point. The company aims to capture a 20% market share in India's EV scooter market by FY26.

New EL Platform and Product Innovations

Ather Energy introduced its highly anticipated EL platform, marking a new era for the company since the launch of its 450 series. The EL platform is designed for versatility, scalability, and cost optimization, paving the way for a new generation of Ather scooters across multiple segments, including commuter, maxi, and sportier models.

Key features of the EL platform include:

• Flexibility to build various form factors using common components
• 15% faster assembly due to simpler architecture
• Up to 2X faster periodic services, with service intervals extended to 10,000 km
• Advanced Electronic Braking System (AEBS) for improved safety
• Integrated Ather Charge Drive Controller, eliminating the need for portable chargers

Tarun Mehta emphasized the significance of the EL platform, stating, "With the EL platform, we are laying the foundation for Ather's next phase of growth. Just as the 450 defined our first chapter, EL will define the next, enabling us to develop multiple types of scooters at scale far more efficiently."

Future Concepts and Innovations

Ather also showcased Redux, a scooter-motorcycle crossover concept, signaling potential entry into the electric motorcycle segment in the future.

CEO's Criticism of PLI Policy

During the event, Mehta criticized India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) policy, describing it as unfriendly to startups. He expressed disappointment over not qualifying for the government's PLI scheme, citing startup-unfriendly definitions that limit their ability to launch lower-cost products.

"The PLI framework favors larger incumbents who may lack serious EV commitments," Mehta claimed, calling for policy corrections. He noted that access to PLI benefits could enable Ather to launch lower-priced products and compete more effectively in the mass-market segment.

Market Performance and Future Outlook

Despite policy challenges, Ather Energy has shown strong market performance. The company has doubled its market share to nearly 17% in August, leading the EV market across South India and Gujarat.

With the introduction of the EL platform, continued innovation in its product line, and aggressive expansion plans, Ather Energy appears poised for further growth in the electric two-wheeler market. However, the company's concerns about the PLI policy highlight the ongoing challenges faced by EV startups in India's evolving regulatory landscape.

As the electric vehicle industry continues to expand, the dialogue between innovative startups like Ather Energy and policymakers will be crucial in shaping the future of sustainable transportation in India.