Ather’s ₹1 lakh gamble: Its cheapest scooter yet could shake up the EV market

Budget bomb

Ather is preparing to enter a more affordable electric scooter space with its upcoming model, Konarc. The company has indicated that it will be its cheapest scooter yet, potentially opening the brand to buyers who found its existing premium electric scooters too expensive.

Platform reset

Konarc will not simply be a cheaper version of an existing Ather scooter. The upcoming model will be based on the company’s new EL platform, marking a fresh product direction and giving Ather a new base on which it can build its more affordable electric two-wheelers.

Metal makeover

Ather is making an important construction change with Konarc. The company has indicated that the upcoming electric scooter will use a metal body, a detail that could become a major talking point for buyers who closely compare durability, finish and everyday practicality.

Rival warning

Being Ather’s cheapest scooter means Konarc will enter a crowded battlefield. The model is expected to take on rivals such as the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and other mass-market electric scooters, putting pressure on Ather to balance price, features and everyday usability.

Feature tease

Affordable does not necessarily mean stripped down. The material highlights a handlebar-mounted headlight, wide horizontal LED DRL, 14-inch front wheel and 12-inch rear wheel, suggesting Ather is trying to give its entry-level scooter a distinctive identity.

August reveal

The wait may not be long. The material says Ather Konarc is expected to launch on August 29, with multiple battery options and features potentially on offer. The bigger question is pricing, with the scooter expected to start at around ₹1 lakh.