Ampere Magnus Grand: An All-New Electric Scooter with Premium Features
The electric two-wheeler market in India continues to evolve rapidly, and Ampere has now entered the premium segment with its latest offering – the Magnus Grand. Having followed Ampere's journey since its early days, I've observed how the company has steadily enhanced its product lineup. The Magnus Grand appears to be a significant step up from its predecessors, with upgraded battery technology, improved build quality, and enhanced features.
The Magnus Grand arrives with several notable improvements including the much safer Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, a dual frame chassis for better stability, and various premium features that position it as a worthy contender in the increasingly competitive electric scooter market.
Let's dive into what makes the Magnus Grand stand out and whether it delivers on its promises of improved performance, safety, and user experience.
Magnus Grand: Key Specifications and Features
Before analyzing the specifics, here's an overview of what the Ampere Magnus Grand offers:
Technical Specifications
- Battery Type: 2.88 kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate)
- Claimed Range: 121 km per charge (under IDC conditions)
- Top Speed: 53 km/h (claimed)
- Motor: BLDC Hub motor
- Chassis: Dual Frame with high-tensile steel
- Acceleration: 0-40 km/h in 6.6 seconds (claimed)
- Braking System: Disc brake (front), Drum brake (rear)
- Suspension: Telescopic fork (front), Dual shock absorber (rear)
- Ground Clearance: 165 mm
- Weight: 104 kg
Features and Technology
- Display: 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity
- Riding Modes: Multiple riding modes including Eco and Power
- Smart Features: Turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, music control
- Reverse Mode: Available for easy parking
- Boot Space: 18 liters
- Lighting: LED lights throughout
- Additional Features: USB charging port, Remote key with anti-theft alert
LFP Battery Technology: A Game Changer for Safety
One of the most significant upgrades in the Magnus Grand is the implementation of Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery technology. Based on industry data and technical specifications, LFP batteries offer substantial safety advantages over traditional Lithium-ion batteries used in most electric scooters.
LFP batteries are known for their thermal stability, making them significantly less prone to thermal runaway – the primary cause of battery fires in electric vehicles. According to battery safety studies, LFP batteries can withstand higher temperatures without degradation or risk of combustion. This is particularly relevant in the Indian context, where ambient temperatures can reach extreme levels during summer months.
The 2.88 kWh battery pack in the Magnus Grand provides a claimed range of 121 km under IDC conditions. In real-world usage, based on typical performance patterns of electric scooters, we can expect the actual range to be around 80-90 km depending on riding conditions, speed, and load – which is still impressive for urban commuting needs.
The battery comes with a warranty of 5 years/60,000 km, which demonstrates Ampere's confidence in the LFP technology's durability and longevity. This extended warranty period is a significant advantage when compared to many competitors that offer 3-year battery warranties.
Charging Infrastructure and Times
The Magnus Grand supports standard charging, with a complete charging time of approximately 5-6 hours from a regular 5A socket. While this is comparable to other scooters in this segment, it's worth noting that the Magnus Grand doesn't appear to offer fast charging capabilities at launch – something that competitors like Ather and Ola provide.
For urban users with access to charging facilities at home or workplace, the overnight charging cycle should be sufficient for daily commuting needs. However, for those requiring quicker turnaround times, the absence of fast charging might be a limitation.
Dual Frame Chassis: Enhanced Stability and Performance
The Magnus Grand features a dual frame chassis constructed with high-tensile steel, which according to Ampere, enhances structural rigidity and stability. From an engineering perspective, this design approach typically results in better handling, especially at higher speeds and while cornering.
The chassis design also contributes to improved weight distribution, which is crucial for electric scooters due to the substantial battery weight. Better weight distribution leads to more predictable handling characteristics and improved rider confidence.
With a ground clearance of 165 mm, the Magnus Grand should handle typical Indian road conditions reasonably well. This clearance is on par with or slightly better than many ICE scooters and electric competitors, allowing the scooter to navigate speed bumps and uneven road surfaces without scraping the underside.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The Magnus Grand is equipped with a telescopic fork suspension at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is fairly standard for scooters in this segment and typically provides a good balance between comfort and handling.
While I haven't personally test-ridden this specific model, based on technical specifications and similar suspension setups in other vehicles, riders can expect reasonable shock absorption on typical urban roads. The combination of the robust chassis and balanced suspension should deliver a stable ride experience.
Performance Metrics: Speed, Acceleration, and Efficiency
With a claimed top speed of 53 km/h and acceleration from 0-40 km/h in 6.6 seconds, the Magnus Grand positions itself as a practical urban commuter rather than a performance-oriented scooter. These figures place it in the mid-range of electric scooter performance metrics.
The BLDC hub motor (wattage specifications not clearly mentioned by Ampere) appears to be calibrated for efficiency and range rather than outright performance. This approach makes sense for the target market – urban commuters seeking reliable, efficient transportation.
The scooter offers multiple riding modes, which typically allow users to prioritize either range (Eco mode) or performance (Power mode). This flexibility is valuable for adapting to different commuting needs – conserving battery on longer trips or accessing more responsive acceleration in traffic situations.
Braking System and Safety
The Magnus Grand features a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. This combination is generally effective for electric scooters in this speed range, providing adequate stopping power for urban riding conditions.
While the scooter doesn't appear to feature advanced braking systems like CBS (Combined Braking System) or ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) based on the available information, the braking setup should be sufficient for the scooter's performance capabilities.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The 7-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity represents a significant upgrade over previous Ampere models. This larger display improves visibility and allows for more comprehensive information presentation.
The connected features include turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and music control – functionalities that have become increasingly standard in premium electric scooters. These features enhance the user experience and provide practical benefits for urban commuters who rely on navigation assistance.
Based on industry trends and similar implementations in other connected vehicles, we can expect the connected features to work through a smartphone app, allowing users to access vehicle statistics, charging status, and possibly remote functions like vehicle locator.
Design and Practicality
The Magnus Grand features a conventional scooter design with updated styling elements that give it a more premium appearance compared to earlier Ampere models. The LED lighting throughout enhances both visibility and aesthetic appeal.
With 18 liters of boot space, the Magnus Grand offers practical storage capacity for everyday items like a half-face helmet, small bags, or groceries. This storage capacity is comparable to most conventional scooters in the market.
The inclusion of a USB charging port addresses the practical need to keep devices charged on the go – a particularly useful feature for riders who rely on phone navigation or need to stay connected during commutes.
Pricing and Positioning
The Ampere Magnus Grand is priced at Rs. 99,999 (ex-showroom, after FAME-II subsidies), positioning it in the mid-premium segment of electric scooters. This pricing places it in competition with models like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ather 450S.
At this price point, the Magnus Grand offers a competitive package with its LFP battery technology, connected features, and practical specifications. The 5-year battery warranty adds significant value, potentially reducing the total cost of ownership over the vehicle's lifecycle.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to direct competitors, the Magnus Grand has several distinguishing factors:
- The LFP battery technology offers superior safety compared to most rivals that use NMC or other lithium-ion chemistries
- The claimed range of 121 km is competitive, though models like the TVS iQube ST offer longer ranges
- The 5-year battery warranty exceeds most competitors' offerings
- The top speed of 53 km/h is lower than performance-oriented options like Ather and Ola scooters
- The charging time without fast charging capability may be a limitation compared to some premium alternatives
Final Verdict: Is the Magnus Grand Worth Considering?
Based on specifications, features, and market positioning, the Ampere Magnus Grand represents a significant step forward for the brand. It addresses key concerns in the electric scooter market – particularly safety through the use of LFP battery technology – while offering a comprehensive feature set for daily commuting needs.
For urban commuters seeking a reliable, safe electric scooter with modern features and reasonable performance, the Magnus Grand deserves consideration. Its strengths lie in battery safety, practical range, and the value proposition of the extended warranty.
However, riders seeking higher performance, faster charging, or more advanced features might want to compare it carefully with alternatives from Ather, Ola, and TVS. As with any vehicle purchase, a test ride would be essential to evaluate handling, ride quality, and whether the performance meets individual expectations.
The Magnus Grand demonstrates how rapidly the electric scooter market is evolving in India, with manufacturers increasingly focusing on safety, reliability, and user experience alongside the fundamental advantages of electric mobility. As charging infrastructure continues to improve and battery technology advances further, products like the Magnus Grand will likely become increasingly compelling alternatives to conventional ICE scooters.
According to industry reports, LFP batteries like those used in the Magnus Grand are considerably safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries, with thermal runaway temperatures approximately 100°C higher, making them significantly less prone to fire incidents.
If you're in the market for an electric scooter with emphasis on safety, reasonable range, and modern features, the Ampere Magnus Grand certainly merits consideration among the growing field of electric mobility options available to Indian consumers.