Ather Energy is set to make a significant move into the affordable electric scooter segment with the global debut of its all-new low-cost concept, the “Ather EL.” The unveiling is scheduled for the annual Ather Community Day on August 30, 2025. This new scooter will be the first model built on a fresh, highly scalable platform designed to underpin a new generation of budget-friendly EVs from the brand, marking a major expansion of Ather’s product strategy.
A Shift Towards Practical, Family-Oriented Design
A teaser image released by Ather previews a scooter with a more conventional and practical design ethos compared to the sporty, premium Ather 450 series. The EL concept appears to be a family-oriented scooter with simple, traditionally styled body panels, clearly aimed at capturing a broader audience that prioritizes utility and accessibility over aggressive styling. This strategic design shift indicates Ather’s intent to compete directly in the mass-market segment.
Innovative, Scalable, and Cost-Effective Engineering
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ather Energy CEO Tarun Mehta described the new “EL” platform as “extremely versatile, lower cost, and highly scalable,” building on the learnings from the successful 450 and Rizta platforms. The new architecture will feature modular components, and it is expected to incorporate battery-swapping capabilities to enhance convenience. To maintain an aggressive price point, the platform will also utilize some shared parts from Ather’s existing scooter lineups, ensuring a balance of innovation and cost-efficiency.
Targeting the Sub-₹1 Lakh Segment in 2026
The production version of the Ather EL is slated for a 2026 launch, with an expected starting price under the crucial ₹1 lakh mark. This will position it as a direct competitor to the entry-level variants of popular models like the Bajaj Chetak and the Ola S1. With this new platform, Ather Energy is not just introducing a new scooter; it is laying the groundwork for a sustained challenge in India’s highly competitive affordable EV market.
