Ather 450 Apex

Overview

The Ather 450 Apex can be considered as one of the important steps in the evolution of the industry that manufactures electric scooters in India. While this review was on the approach, the first thing that came into notice was the level of sophistication of the design of the scooter and the commotion at the time of its unveiling. Since the Ather Energy 450 Apex is considered as their flagship model, it is expected to deliver better output and additional features never seen before. The first thoughts that struck my mind was it being a high-end, futuristic automobile intended to change the game of electric vehicles in the country.

Design and Aesthetics

The Ather 450 Apex has a distinct eye-catching characteristic that changes for the better when compared to the predecessors and competitors of the scooter. The design allows the addition of a different color scheme in Indium Blue which comes as a satin finish. Amongst other components, what impressed me the most were the clear panels mounted on the sides which displayed the core of the scooter, a painted trellis frame in a shade of orange. This feature serves a dual purpose of enhancing esthetics and displaying the technical prowess of the scooter.

The overall silhouette seems more or less similar to the 450X, boasts of clean lines and contemporary styling. A sleek LED headlamp is embedded within the front apron while a striking LED taillamp adorns the tail section. The orange accents on the wheels and the logos lend an aesthetic sporty character to the overall design.

Continuing now towards the handlebars the 450 apex bristles with aggression, as it features a 7 inch TFT touchscreen display which sits in the handle bar region. The screen is bright, touch sensitive, and its performance is hardly compromised even in the sun. The switchgear feels sturdy and possesses satisfactory clicky feel, though I consistently found the indicator switch a bit lethargic.

The saddle has good ergonomics both for the rider and pillion as well. There is convincing space on the floorboard and the seat gets into position well and in general, the design is suitable for riding through the city. I would like to emphasize that Ather 450 apex implementation reclamation simply fails as there is nothing of the fashion part but all is attributed to the electric scooter without exception.

Batteries and Powertrain

The Ather 450 Apex comes equipped with a 3.7 kWh lithium battery which is coupled with advanced 7.0 kW PMS motor. They achieve a peak torque of 26 Nm which is available almost instantly as is the case with electric motors. It has five riding modes that are Eco, Ride, Sport, Warp, and the latest Warp+.

What struck me the most is the Warp+ mode that’s available on the test ride, for it provides insane acceleration. The 450 Apex has the capability of accelerating from a standstill of 0-40 km/h in a staggering 2.9 seconds, and the maximum speed has been raised to 100 km/h. It feels like the acceleration is very linear and smooth, so you can easily weave through traffic or make an overtaking maneuver on an empty stretch of road.

One of the noticeable innovations is a new regenerative braking mode called “Magic Twist.” It helps to simulate a one-pedal ride, in which throttle release results in a smooth rate of deceleration. Personally, I found this feature logical and really helpful while riding in a city and constantly making stops.

The weight of the scooter combined with the calibrated suspension allowed perfect handling. Both the front forks and the rear monoshock do a good job of absorbing the bumps and dips on the road, allowing for a pleasurable ride even in rough conditions.

Features and Technology

The content in Ather 450 Apex is mind-blowing in this modern age technological savvy. The 7-inch touchscreen is also the cockpit that opens up opportunities such as Google Maps based turn for turn routing, cellphone link and remote upgrades. The graphics are understandable, and so is the operation, allowing manipulation of several tasks even while in motion.

The electric scooter is protected by AtherStack that runs on the two-wheeler. It allows diagnostics to be carried out from a remote location, tracking the location of the vehicle in real time, and viewing personal statistics about the driving time and distance. The Ather app enables functions for the user such as locking or unlocking the scooter remotely and finding it if it goes missing.

Safety features here include the combined braking system (CBS) as well as a side stand sensor and also reverse assist. The negative point for me was that in general the darkness of the display can be turned on, although this is quite often the case on a two wheeler.

One issue which I especially liked is the auto cancel for indicators since it is rather handy feature, but it is something you cannot live without when riding. The under-seat storage of 22 liters is also good where one can fit in a full face helmet or essentials for daily walk.

Variants

The Ather 450 Apex is available for purchase in the only one option, the fully loaded model. In this case, the customer experience is made smooth, however, it will not be a good situation for a corner case where a client wishes to enter the Ather ecosystem with a less expensive variant. Ever since it is a flagship model, this strategy indeed goes hand in hand with the image of the location of Ather as a luxury brand.

Pricing Strategy and Market Position

Positioning itself as the premium electric scooter in the country, the Ather 450 Apex carries a price of around ?1.95 lakh (Ex-showroom). This pricing strategy makes it score over most of the ICE scooters and places it aggressively in competition with the other high-end electric scooters including, the Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube etc.

Even though the price may seem high at first sight, we have to take into consideration the technology, performance and premium features included. In my opinion, the 450 apex fulfills the price expectation of customers who are big tech- freaks, want performance and do not mind spending on a hybrid electric vehicle.

Target Market

Temple-Tech App clearly goes to the category of all who are looking for a high-end electric scooter aimed at first-time consumers as well as lovers of new technologies. It is ideal for the upper class professionals who appreciate aesthetics of form, modern technology and environmental concern. It is great for consumers who love fast riding as well as commuting because of the performance and features of the scooter.

Considering its pricing structure, the 450 Apex, in all probability, will appeal to those who are eco friendly and wish to pay more for better transportation. It is also appealing for those who love the modern day automotive technology and wants to own a car that is unique.

Value for Money

In order to make appropriate evaluation of the value of Ather 450 Apex, proper consideration should be taken about the cost to be incurred as well as the benefits to be received in the long run. Although the purchase price is higher than the price of most of the ordinary scooters, in reference to the running cost, 450 apex offers drastic reduction. With advanced features, better performance, status associated with owning an expensive electric vehicle, the consumer value of the vehicle enhances further.

For the right consumer who appreciates the technology behind the scooter and knows how to fully exploit its abilities, I think that the 450 apex has a reasonable price. Nevertheless, for people whose main aim is to get from place to place, there might be cheaper solutions to that problem.

Range and Charging

According to Ather, the 450 Apex will give a certified riding range of 157 km on a single charge, while the true riding range is 110 km when ridden in the city. Testing these ranges, I found these numbers to be quite optimistic because they were dependent on riding modes and other conditions.

It takes this long to charge the battery to full capacity, assuming one uses the regular home charger. The scooter is also compatible with Ather’s efficient charging network that allows charging the battery up to 80% in about one and a half hours. Charging is important and thus Ather has earmarked funds that are aimed at increasing its charging station level within the metropolitan areas of India.

It is coupled with a five-year warranty that comes with a maximum of 60,000 kilometers, which is better in comparison to the majority of his rivals and should ease any fears of buyers who are wary of how dependable the bike will be in the long run.

Competitors and Comparison

Competitors of Ather 450 Apex include Ola S1 Pro and TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak and here how it compares: Ather 450 Apex competitors are Ola S1 Pro, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. Here’s how it stacks up.

Ola S1 Pro: Has a smaller battery capacity yet asserts to have a greater range per full charge (181Kms) and speed (115 km/h). Out of all Ather 450 Apex, this model lags only on build quality and software.

TVS iQube: A cheaper version of the 450 apex that does not perform as well and has limited features than the original. 450 apex provides a premium and more technology-oriented experience.

Bajaj Chetak: More mechanical and affordable design but when compared to the 450 apex, it lacks in performance and features.

In my opinion, it is the Ather 450 Apex which focuses the most on performance, the quality of design, and the practicality of features. Some aspects of it may not be the best, however, such an approach will suit many for sure who look forward to another premium electric scooter.

Conclusion:

In this regard, the Ather 450 Apex is a huge achievement in the electric scooter segment in India. It offers a head-turning design, powerful technology and great performance in a body which is targeted at the smart professionals of today. The price point may restrict its appeal to the mass market but it has raised the bar on what a consumer can expect from an electric two-wheeler.

To begin with, I would like to highlight the concepts of focus, precision and attention of any construction or software of an electric scooter. It is one of the aspects that makes the decision to spend on an expensive electric automobile worth it. The quality of the ride, the performance, and the feature set of the scooter are all impeccable.

The 450 apex scooter goes beyond being merely a transport vehicle.