Ampere Primus

The Ampere Primus is the flagship electric scooter from Ampere, a brand owned by Greaves Electric Mobility. It is positioned as a premium and indigenous offering, designed and made in India. The scooter features a 3kWh LFP battery and a 3.8kW mid-mounted motor, which provides smooth acceleration and a top speed of 77 kmph. It comes with three riding modes Eco, City, and Power and includes features like LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, and a reverse mode. The Primus has a kerb weight of 130 kg and is equipped with 12-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front forks, and dual shock absorbers at the rear. While it offers a practical and comfortable ride, the scooters build quality and material finish are areas that need improvement. The absence of disc brakes and some software glitches, such as the vanishing display on the instrument cluster, are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the Primus remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective electric scooter for daily commuting.

The Ampere Primus is a mixed bag when it comes to its overall appeal. On one hand, it boasts a stylish design, a potent 3.8kW mid-mounted motor, and a safe 3kWh Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery, which offers better thermal properties and lower maintenance. The scooters ride quality is commendable, striking a nice balance between comfort and stability, even on rough roads. However, several aspects hold it back from being a top contender. The material quality, particularly for a scooter priced over 1 lakh, is not up to the mark, and the use of drum brakes instead of disc brakes is surprising and disappointing. The braking performance is a significant drawback, making it less safe, especially in emergency situations. Additionally, the display and some of the plastic components feel cheap. Despite these issues, the Primus remains a viable option for those seeking a cost-effective, basic electric scooter with decent performance and range.

The Ampere Primus has been noted for its safety features, including IP67-rated batteries and motors with water ingress resistance, as well as a combi brake system. These features ensure a safer riding experience, especially in Indian road conditions. I believe the emphasis on safety is a significant selling point for this scooter.

Ampere has announced attractive financing options for the Primus, including low-to-zero interest EMIs and up to 100% financing of the scooters price. Additionally, the company offers a 3-year/30,000 km standard warranty and an optional 2-year/20,000 km extended warranty. This financial flexibility and warranty coverage provide peace of mind for potential buyers. I think these offers will help increase the scooters market appeal.

In terms of design, the Ampere Primus stands out with its ergonomic seating posture and ample leg room, making it comfortable for daily commutes. The scooter also features a 22-liter boot space, which is quite generous for an electric scooter. The design elements, such as the Royal Orange and Havelock Blue color options, add to its appeal. I believe the combination of comfort and style makes the Primus an attractive option for urban riders.

The Ampere Primus has been praised for its advanced features, including an LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The scooter also comes with an Ampere Companion app that provides real-time updates on charging status and alerts for any issues. This level of connectivity enhances the overall riding experience. I think the integration of these features makes the Primus a smart choice for tech-savvy riders.

Ampere has launched the Primus, its flagship electric scooter, with a price tag of Rs. 1,19,900 (ex-showroom) across various cities in India. The scooter boasts a 3kWh Lithium Ferro Phosphate battery, offering an ARAI-certified range of 107km on a full charge. It also features a mid-mounted 3.4kW motor and three riding modes: Eco, City, and Power. I believe this scooter is a strong contender in the Indian electric vehicle market with its impressive range and performance.

The Ampere Primus is priced at 1.10 lakh ex-showroom in most cities in India, although prices can vary slightly depending on the location. When considering the on-road price, you can expect to add around 10,000 to 15,000, bringing the total to approximately 1.20 lakh to 1.25 lakh. This pricing positions the Primus slightly below the base variant of the TVS iQube but competitive with other premium electric scooters like the Ola S1 Air. While it is more affordable than many established premium e-scooters, the extra cost for a TVS iQube, which offers better features and performance, might be justified for many buyers. The price point makes the Primus an attractive option for those looking for a basic yet reliable electric scooter, but it falls short in terms of value when compared to more feature-rich alternatives.

The Ampere Primus comes with an ARAI-certified range of 107 kilometers on a single full charge, which is on par with many of its competitors like the TVS iQube and Ola S1. However, real-world mileage is likely to be lower, with estimates suggesting around 70 to 80 kilometers when riding mostly in the Power mode. The LFP battery, while safer and requiring less maintenance, does not offer the same energy density as NMC batteries, which might affect the actual range. Charging the scooter takes about five hours, but an optional fast charger can reduce this time to 2.5 hours. The State of Charge (SOC) indicator has been noted to be less accurate, which could make it difficult to gauge the remaining range precisely. Overall, the mileage is decent but not exceptional, making it suitable for daily city commutes rather than long-distance travel. ABOUT The Ampere Primus is the flagship electric scooter from Ampere, a brand owned by Greaves Electric Mobility. It is positioned as a premium and indigenous offering, designed and made in India. The scooter features a 3kWh LFP battery and a 3.8kW mid-mounted motor, which provides smooth acceleration and a top speed of 77 kmph. It comes with three riding modes Eco, City, and Power and includes features like LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, and a reverse mode. The Primus has a kerb weight of 130 kg and is equipped with 12-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front forks, and dual shock absorbers at the rear. While it offers a practical and comfortable ride, the scooters build quality and material finish are areas that need improvement. The absence of disc brakes and some software glitches, such as the vanishing display on the instrument cluster, are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the Primus remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and cost-effective electric scooter for daily commuting.