Ather Energy has officially introduced the 450S, a stripped‑down, sportier sibling to its flagship 450X. Launched in August 2023 and priced at approximately ₹1.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the 450S is aimed at urban commuters seeking high performance, connected features, and tangible value. With strong acceleration, modest real-world range, and Ather’s familiar smart platform, the 450S positions itself as an ideal city commuter for first-time EV buyers.
Design & Styling
The Ather 450S shares the aggressive and streamlined bodywork of the 450X, yet makes subtle stylistic adjustments to reduce complexity and cost:
- Monochrome body panels and matte finishes give the scooter a sportier edge.
- Minimalist front fender, clean helmet storage housing, and discreet badging distinguish it from its more premium counterpart.
- A single digital instrument pod replaces the twin-display setup, keeping visuals sharp yet simple.
- LED headlamp, taillamp, and DRLs remain finely sculpted, blending aesthetics with functionality.
- The long, flat seat design—with integrated grab rails—ensures two-up comfort without compromising aerodynamics.
Together, the design maintains a sporty, well-finished appearance while appealing to buyers focused on performance and cost efficiency.
Powertrain, Ride Performance & Range
The Ather 450S is powered by a 5.4 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, tuned to deliver 22 Nm torque. Top speed is capped at 90 km/h, ideal for city riding. The battery is a 2.9 kWh lithium-ion pack, offering:
- A claimed IDC range of 115–126 km
- Real-world “true” range averaging around 90 km, factoring in terrain, speed, and acceleration patterns
- Charging time of approximately 6 hours 36 minutes for 0–80%, and 8 hours 36 minutes for a full charge using the portable charger
This combination offers competitive performance in the mid‑range EV scooter segment, combining brisk acceleration with everyday practicality.
Key Features & Connectivity
Though more lightly equipped than the 450X, the 450S retains several smart, connected features:
- Over-the-air software updates keep the firmware current.
- App-based controls that integrate trip planning, ride statistics, and theft/tow alerts.
- Guide-me-home light, Vehicle FallSafe alert, and emergency stop signal improve rider safety.
- The display provides essential ride data, including speed, battery level, and remaining range.
- It does not include Bluetooth turn-by-turn navigation, ventilated seat settings, or dual displays—features reserved for the 450X.
Despite the pared-down feature list, the core smart capabilities provide an edge over many peers in the same price band.
Performance Summary
| Specification | Ather 450S |
| Launch Time | August 2023 |
| Approx. Ex-showroom Price | ₹1.30 lakh |
| Motor Output | 5.4 kW (PMSM), ~22 Nm torque |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h |
| Battery Capacity | 2.9 kWh |
| Real-World Range | ~90 km |
| Charging Time (0–80%) | Approx. 6 hrs 36 min |
| Charging Time (Full) | Approx. 8 hrs 36 min |
| Display | Single digital pod |
| Connectivity Features | OTA updates, alerts, and trip planner |
| Notable Missing Features | Bluetooth nav, dual-display, vent modes |
Target Audience & Competition
The Ather 450S is tailored for:
- Urban commuters seeking premium EV performance within a tighter budget.
- First-time two-wheeler buyers transitioning to electric.
- Riders who value reliability, ride dynamics, and smart functionality over full suite luxury features.
Competing models include:
- Ola S1 Air (entry-level range)
- TVS iQube
- Hero Vida V1
- Ampere Primus
Its strong motor, good range, and connected features give the Ather 450S a distinct edge over rivals in the ₹1.30–1.50 lakh segment.
Real-World Usage & Rider Feedback
Early adopters report:
- A smooth ride with responsive acceleration and an agile chassis tuned for urban traffic.
- Range estimates around 90 km per charge in moderate riding conditions.
- Praise for the feature set—especially OTA alerts and trip planning—even though some miss full navigation or dual-display functionality.
- Build quality and service dependability align with Ather’s image as a premium EV brand.
While occasional critiques reference the missing premium extras, most users agree that the 450S strikes a compelling balance between cost, capability, and convenience.
FAQs
Q1: What distinguishes the Ather 450S from the 450X?
A: The 450S has a smaller battery (2.9 kWh), a single display, fewer connected features, and is priced lower. Performance levels are comparable.
Q2: How much range can I realistically expect?
A: Expect around 90 km of real-world riding range per charge under typical city speeds and acceleration patterns.
Q3: Does it support fast charging?
A: No. It charges via an onboard 1.0 kW load, taking about 6 hours 36 minutes for 0–80% and 8 hours 36 minutes to fully charge.
Q4: Are connected features available?
A: Yes. OTA software updates, trip planner, theft/tow alerts, FallSafe alerts, and guide-me-home lighting are standard.
Q5: Is it worth buying over the 450X?
A: For riders prioritizing value, range, and core features, the 450S offers nearly the same riding experience at a lower price, making it ideal for urban commuting.
Conclusion
The Ather 450S offers a compelling value proposition in India’s electric scooter market—a premium ride experience without the premium price tag. With robust performance from its 5.4 kW motor, practical real-world range, and smart safety/connectivity features, it stands as a strong contender for daily urban use.
Though it lacks some advanced offerings of its higher-end counterpart, the 450S meets the needs of first-time EV buyers and commuting enthusiasts with efficiency and dependability. Engineered for city life, it brings range confidence, smart alerts, and Ather’s known ride quality into an accessible package.
