Ather Energy launched the Konarc metal-body scooter to take EVs mainstream (interview)

Indian electric two-wheeler maker selling the 450 and Rizta scooters, and now the Konarc platform; Hero MotoCorp is its largest shareholder.

That a familiar metal-body scooter with long range and a Rs 1 lakh entry price will pull petrol-scooter buyers to Ather.

Hero MotoCorp invests up to Rs 1,758 crore, raising its diluted stake to 32.8% (per ETAuto)

Mehta said Ather already had the 450 and the family scooter Rizta, about 80% of current sales. But Rizta was built to sell more Athers, whereas Konarc's brief was how to take EVs mainstream, answering customers' last-minute objections on battery life, charging, servicing nightmares, range, resale and looks.

Ather built a new platform with a metal body for familiarity, 200 km range, a 10-year battery life and a cable-only charger. The first two variants, Konarc S, cost about Rs 1.20 lakh and Rs 1.40 lakh. The entry Rs 1 lakh variant waits for Aurangabad capacity, which is about 5 lakh units next year.

As of August 2026 Ather said it was supply-constrained, working on an electric motorcycle, and aiming for 1,500-2,000 stores from 700; the company gave no profitability guidance.

Mehta said buyers who were keen on electric scooters were stopped at the last minute by questions on battery life, charging, servicing, range, resale and looks.

As the wider market goes electric, he said many buyers wanted a familiar-looking product, which led to the metal body.

With EVs growing fast, about 25% of India's scooter market by Mehta's account, the question shifted from selling more Athers to adoption by mainstream buyers.

To win buyers who have not switched, remove their small objections one by one instead of selling the technology.

As of 29 August 2026, only the two Konarc S variants were launched, because capacity could not meet demand for the entry variant. Mehta said Ather would avoid delivery bikes and only build for consumer use. The interview is self-reported by Ather's CEO.