Ather Energy has launched the Konarc electric scooter at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹99,999, introducing a more affordable model designed to take the company beyond its existing premium and family-scooter segments.
Unveiled at Ather Community Day in Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ather Konarc is the first production scooter built on the company’s new EL platform. It will be offered in six variants across the S and Z lines, with claimed Indian Driving Cycle ranges extending from 100 km to 200 km.
The Konarc S range begins with the 100 km version at ₹99,999. The S 125 km model costs ₹1,21,999, while the S 161 km version has been priced at ₹1,44,999. All three prices are ex-showroom Bengaluru.
Ather has not announced prices for the 200 km S model or the two higher-specification Z variants. The Z line will initially include versions offering claimed ranges of 125 km and 161 km.
The company plans to begin bookings and deliveries for the S 125 km and S 161 km models from mid-September through a phased rollout. Availability will initially be limited to selected variants, cities and states before expanding across India.
New Platform Targets Everyday Scooter Buyers
The EL architecture represents Ather’s first completely new production platform since the one underpinning the 450 series.
While the 450 range has largely focused on performance and the Rizta on family use, Konarc has been engineered for a wider group of everyday scooter customers. The emphasis is on comfort, durability, easier charging and lower maintenance requirements.
Ather co-founder and chief executive Tarun Mehta said the model was developed around the needs of buyers who have not yet moved to electric vehicles. He highlighted the metal panels, extended range, annual service interval and faster home-charging system as important parts of the product.
The platform has also been designed for higher manufacturing scale. Ather expects to support that growth through the production capacity being developed at the company’s upcoming facility in the Aurangabad Industrial City, or AURIC, manufacturing zone.
The Konarc uses a steel unibody chassis and is Ather’s first scooter to feature metal rear-side panels. The company says this construction provides greater structural integrity and resistance to impact.
It also receives a 14-inch front alloy wheel, a 12-inch rear wheel and a 1,352 mm wheelbase. Long-travel suspension at both ends and a relaxed steering angle are intended to improve stability and ride comfort on broken or uneven roads.
Ather Introduces Software-Controlled Braking
A major technical addition is Ather’s new Advanced Electronic Braking System, or AeBS, developed in-house.
Conventional combined braking systems generally use a fixed distribution of force between the front and rear wheels. AeBS uses software and vehicle sensors to adjust the braking balance according to the conditions detected while slowing down.
The technology works with Ather’s existing drive controller and electric motor, using regenerative braking to add stopping force without requiring separate mechanical hardware.
Ather Energy claims the system can reduce wheel lock-ups and stopping distances while improving stability. Real-world performance will depend on speed, surface condition, tyre grip and rider input.
The scooter also uses a sequential gear-drive transmission. According to Ather, the system is designed to deliver smoother, quieter power while limiting mechanical wear.
Other standard safety and riding functions include a front disc brake, combined braking, skid control, AutoHold and Magic Twist regenerative deceleration.
MagicKey and AirWalk Add Convenience
Konarc introduces several features aimed at routine urban use.
MagicKey provides keyless access through a proximity-based system. SmartWake can unlock and activate the scooter while the key remains in the rider’s pocket, and the vehicle can lock automatically when the rider walks away.
The key can also open the seat and help locate the scooter. A ping command triggers lights and sound from a claimed distance of up to 30 metres.
AutoPop allows the seat to open remotely, while a physical control remains available on the scooter. The seat rises to a vertical position and stays open, providing hands-free access to the storage compartment.
AirWalk uses motor assistance when the scooter detects that it is being manually pushed or pulled. The feature is intended to make parking and reversing easier, particularly on slopes, in restricted spaces or when tyre pressure is low.
Comfort equipment includes a padded grab rail, a flat floorboard and an optional LoungeBack accessory with an adjustable backrest and lumbar support.
Combined Charging Cuts Home-Charging Time
Konarc has an integrated 450W onboard charger, allowing its cable to be connected without carrying a separate charging brick.
Customers can add a second 450W offboard charger. When both are used together, Ather’s Combined Charging system provides 900W and is claimed to reduce home-charging time by as much as half.
The new fifth-generation Bedrock battery will be used across all variants. Ather is offering coverage of 10 years or 1,00,000 km, whichever comes first, with a guaranteed minimum state of health of 70% at the end of the warranty period.
The company has also doubled the scheduled service interval to 10,000 km or approximately once a year, whichever comes earlier. Components requiring routine replacement have been positioned for easier service access.
Konarc will be sold in Quartz White, Lumen Copper, Celestial Gold and Majestic Grey. Steel Blue and Claret Red will be reserved for the Z variants.
With its ₹99,999 entry price and six-version range, Konarc moves Ather into direct competition with high-volume electric scooters from TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and Ola Electric. Its success will depend on the availability of the affordable variants, actual riding range and how quickly Ather can expand deliveries beyond the initial cities.
