Ather has an exquisite downside on its palms. The corporate says that it’s now raking in a month-to-month demand of round 50,000 models from its seller base, however is struggling to produce way more than half that determine. Fortuitously, the answer is just some months away, and the upcoming manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will start to scale up within the first half of subsequent yr.
The Konarc performs a key position in Ather’s progress ambitions. This scooter is predicated on a brand new metal platform that’s designed to be cheaper and quicker – not solely to construct, but in addition to service. With this cost-effective new platform in place, the expectation was that the Konarc would occupy a brand new house for Ather, one which slots in comfortably under the Rizta and 450 fashions. Because it seems, that’s not completely the case.
The bottom Konarc is priced at Rs 99,999, which is an efficient Rs 22,000 lower than the bottom Rizta. Ather is happy concerning the new market house that this scooter will unlock for them, and it absolutely will herald a brand new shopper base. Nonetheless, a more in-depth examination of the spec sheet means that the bottom Konarc variant is a bit too stripped down, and we’d recommend you decide from the following variant onwards.
If you do this, you’ll realise that the Konarc is successfully priced on par with the Rizta for the same battery pack measurement, and this took me without warning. Conversations with firm officers unearthed the very sound rationale that manufacturing enter prices have risen by an enormous 30-40 p.c over the previous yr. Nonetheless, I nonetheless can’t shake the sensation that the Konarc is just not as reasonably priced as anticipated.
To be honest, most EVs have gotten fairly a bit dearer within the latest previous, and the iQube range is priced at the same stage to the Konarc. Nonetheless, that’s earlier than you pay the additional quantity for Ather’s optionally available StackPro options, which is one thing you’d wish to do as a result of they add priceless enchantment and performance. What I discover disappointing is that not one of the Konarc S fashions include a full color TFT show, and meaning it’s not suitable with a variety of Ather’s extra uniquely intelligent options like pothole alerts, WhatsApp alerts, voice management and extra.
Whereas the Konarc is just not as reasonably priced as anticipated, there isn’t any doubt that it lives as much as Ather’s premium picture. High quality and end are glorious, and extra importantly, it’s genuinely snug to journey, which isn’t one thing you may say about earlier Athers. The basics are in place with this scooter, and that could be a strong win for the corporate.
The very fact stays that Ather is already experiencing such huge demand for its present scooters, which don’t come low cost. The client’s urge for food to spend seems to be in place, and the brand new Konarc will definitely widen it, though I’m positive it’ll additionally eat into the Rizta’s market share. With its superior consolation, sensible on-board charger and promise of decrease operating prices, I’m satisfied it’s a greater scooter than the extra flashy wanting Rizta. Whether or not prospects really feel the identical manner stays to be seen, however Ather seems properly on track to achieve new heights in 2027.