ATHER 450 APEX Review — What All to Expect?

 

Ather Energy celebrates a decade of innovation with the Ather 450 Apex, a passion project that transcends commercial bounds. Co-founder Tarun Mehta’s brainchild pushes the limits of electric scooter technology, boasting a ten percent power increase, a top speed of 100kmph, and a groundbreaking Warp+ mode.

Let’s take a look at the design nuances and revolutionary features of the 450 Apex, the new electric scooter in town.

Ather 450 Apex Specs & Features

• Performance and Acceleration Boost
• Engineering Precision
• Innovative Features — Warp+ Mode and TFT Display UI Redesign
• Design Distinction — Indium Blue Paint and Transparent Side Panel
• Battery and Range Optimization
• Pricing Dynamics and Exclusivity Appeal
• Verdict
• Conclusion
• FAQs

In a tribute to a decade of innovation and advancement, Ather Energy introduces the Ather 450 Apex, described by co-founder Tarun Mehta as a passion project rather than a commercial venture. This scooter symbolizes Ather’s journey over the last ten years and sets the stage for the imminent debut of the company’s new family scooter later this year. Ather has continually enhanced the Ather 450 over the past five years, and the Apex represents the pinnacle of what the current platform can achieve within safe thermodynamic limits.

Performance and Acceleration Boost

Ather has not merely rested on its laurels but has pushed the boundaries of performance with the Ather 450 Apex. Power sees an impressive ten percent increase, now clocking in at 7kW, enabling the scooter to achieve a top speed of 100kmph. Acceleration, a critical aspect of electric scooters, undergoes a noteworthy enhancement, accompanied by the introduction of a new Warp+ mode that supersedes the regular 450X’s Warp mode. During a test ride on a go-kart track, the responsiveness of the Warp+ mode was evident, with a 0–40kmph sprint now taking just 2.9 seconds, a notable improvement from the previous 3.3 seconds. The scooter’s agility and quick response, coupled with the smooth and precise accelerator feel, underscore its position as a formidable contender in the electric two-wheeler segment.

See Ather 450 Apex full Specs and Features here

Engineering Precision

Taking the Ather 450 Apex for a spin on a go-kart track accentuated its engineering precision and fine-tuned dynamics. In the realm of two-wheeler EVs, Ather’s product continues to stand out as the most dialed-in and well-engineered. The additional performance, while elevating the riding experience, also brings to light a mild de-rating in performance after sustained flat-out riding. While this is not as pronounced or excessive as observed in some rivals, it does introduce a subtle nuance to the existing 450’s performance.

Innovative Features — Warp+ Mode and TFT Display UI Redesign

The Warp+ mode, beyond its performance boost, introduces a playful redesign of the TFT display UI of Ather 450 Apex, creating a captivating ‘warp speed’ visual. This amalgamation of performance and aesthetics adds an extra layer of excitement to the rider’s interaction with the scooter.

The standout feature of the Ather 450 Apex is the introduction of Magic Twist, a regenerative function that represents a paradigm shift in electric two-wheeler dynamics. This innovative feature allows riders to twist the accelerator backward, progressively slowing the scooter to a complete halt. While regenerative functions exist in various electric two-wheelers in India, Ather’s implementation takes it to an unprecedented level of strength and effectiveness. Acknowledging the difficulty in providing a consistent regen experience due to varying factors, Ather’s engineering prowess overcomes this challenge, offering riders a seamless in-city riding experience. The backward accelerator action, with 15 degrees of rotation, provides fine-tuned control over regen, reducing the reliance on traditional brakes in normal slowing-down scenarios.

Design Distinction — Indium Blue Paint and Transparent Side Panel

Visually, the Ather 450 Apex sets itself apart with a unique Indium Blue paint finish, complemented by a striking orange hue on the wheels and chassis. The transparent side panel, revealing the orange aluminum chassis, adds a touch of exclusivity to the scooter’s design. While the overall bodywork remains consistent with the standard 450X, the Apex introduces a fully enclosed belt drive, a feature slated to extend across the entire Ather range. Notably, existing scooters may not be compatible with certain Apex features, including the distinct belt cover with different mounting points on the swingarm.

Battery and Range Optimization

Mechanically, the Ather 450 Apex retains its core components, including the 3.7kWh battery pack. However, the integration of improved regenerative capabilities contributes to a slight increase in the claimed range, now certified at 157km compared to the earlier 150km. This optimization aligns with Ather’s commitment to offering not just enhanced performance but also improved efficiency.

Pricing Dynamics and Exclusivity Appeal

The Ather 450 Apex, priced at Rs 1.89 lakh ex-showroom, positions itself as a vehicle for enthusiasts seeking exclusivity. With an on-road cost approximately Rs 30,000–40,000 higher than the top 450X (considering the Pro Pack standard on the Apex), the final cost varies based on state-level subsidies. Production of the Apex will be tailored to demand, with Ather planning to manufacture the model until October 2024, marking the culmination of their first decade. To add to the exclusivity, customers are treated to a color-matched helmet and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Verdict

While discussions about value may take a back seat, the Ather 450 Apex emerges as a unique proposition for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Positioned as the pinnacle of the current Ather 450’s capabilities, it caters to those who appreciate the culmination of a decade of electric evolution. With a commitment to innovation and a focus on rider experience, Ather paves the way for a distinctive chapter in the evolving landscape of electric scooters.

Conclusion

The Ather 450 Apex isn’t just a scooter; it’s a collector’s gem representing a decade of dedication. Beyond its sleek design and enhanced performance, it encapsulates Ather Energy’s unwavering commitment to electric evolution. As the brand ventures into the next decade, the Apex remains a symbol of progress, innovation, and a distinctive chapter in the electric scooter narrative.

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