Ather Energy , a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, has reached a significant production milestone of 500,000 electric scooters. This achievement coincides with the launch of their new RIZTA model, marking a pivotal moment in the company's growth trajectory.

Production Milestone and New Model Launch

Ather Energy's 500,000th vehicle rolled off the production line at their Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu. The milestone scooter was the Rizta, Ather's flagship family scooter, which has become a strong growth driver for the brand. The Rizta now accounts for over one-third of Ather's total production volumes, significantly contributing to the company's expansion.

Expansion Plans and Manufacturing Capacity

To meet the growing demand for its electric scooters, Ather Energy is taking significant steps to increase its production capacity:

The new Factory 3.0 in Maharashtra will be built on Industry 4.0 principles, integrating advanced digital technologies into the manufacturing process. This expansion is expected to significantly boost Ather's production capabilities, allowing the company to meet the increasing demand for electric two-wheelers in India.

Market Expansion and Product Portfolio

Ather Energy has been rapidly expanding its presence in Middle and North India, with a focus on tier 2 and 3 cities alongside metro markets. The company's product portfolio now includes:

1. Ather 450 series: Focused on performance-oriented customers
2. Ather Rizta: A convenience-first family scooter line

Together, these product lines offer eight variants, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences in the electric two-wheeler market.

Charging Infrastructure

As part of its commitment to the electric vehicle ecosystem, Ather has established a dedicated fast-charging network called Ather Grid. The company has installed:

• 4,032 Fast and Neighbourhood chargers globally
• 3,997 chargers across India
• 35 chargers in Nepal and Sri Lanka

This extensive charging network further strengthens Ather's position in the electric two-wheeler market by addressing one of the key concerns of EV adoption – charging infrastructure.

Innovation and Intellectual Property

Ather Energy's focus on research and development is evident from its intellectual property portfolio:

This robust IP portfolio underscores Ather's commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle space.

As Ather Energy continues to expand its production capacity and market presence, it is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in India. The achievement of the 500,000 production milestone, coupled with ambitious expansion plans, signals a promising future for the company in the evolving electric vehicle market.

Ather Energy , a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, has announced a significant decision to defer demand incentive claims worth Rs 262.50 million under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. This move affects up to 52,500 vehicles and comes in response to global supply chain disruptions caused by China's export ban on certain heavy rare earth magnets.

Supply Chain Challenges

The export ban has forced Ather's motor suppliers to make temporary adjustments in their manufacturing processes, particularly concerning the domestic fitment of magnets. These changes have led to deviations from the Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP) guidelines for traction motor manufacturing, a key component of the PM E-DRIVE scheme compliance.

Seeking Temporary Exemption

Ather Energy is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), seeking a temporary exemption from domestic fitment requirements for magnets. The company emphasizes that this situation was beyond their control and that they remain committed to complying with all PM E-DRIVE and PMP guidelines.

Innovative Solution

In response to these challenges, Ather has developed an alternative solution - a Heavy Rare Earth Free (HREF) motor. The company has already received type approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for this innovation. Furthermore, Ather has begun receiving PM E-DRIVE eligibility certificates for these HREF motors across different models, demonstrating their commitment to adapting to the changing landscape.

Impact on Financial Claims

The deferral of demand incentive claims is a precautionary measure taken by Ather Energy. The company has decided to hold off on submitting claims for the affected vehicles until they receive definitive approval regarding the deviation from the PMP requirements.

Commitment to Make in India

Despite these challenges, Ather Energy reaffirms its dedication to the Make in India initiative and maintains its commitment to full compliance with PMP guidelines. The company views this as a temporary setback and is actively working towards resolving the issue.

This development highlights the intricate challenges faced by the EV industry in India, particularly in relation to supply chain dependencies and regulatory compliance. It also underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in overcoming unforeseen obstacles in the rapidly evolving electric mobility sector.