Ather Launches Konarc, Its Most Affordable Electric Scooter Yet

Bengaluru-based Ather Energy, which has made electric scooters for about a decade, has launched the Konarc, its most affordable scooter yet, aimed at families and cost-conscious commuters. The base variant starts at 99,999 rupees (about $1,190) and is built on the company's new EL platform.

The base Konarc has a swingarm-mounted motor producing 5.4 horsepower and 16 newton-metres (11.8 lb-ft) of torque, with a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph). Its 2.1-kWh battery gives an effective range of 80 km (50 miles), and an onboard charger takes it from 0% to 80% in four hours from a wall outlet. Higher-end variants bring bigger batteries and longer range; Ather has not yet announced the price of its top model, which will cost more than the $1,530 charged for the 3.5-kWh variant.

Every Konarc gets a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard with Google Maps navigation, live traffic information and voice commands, plus a companion app that plans routes around remaining range and charging-station availability. The top-end Konarc Z adds a proximity-sensing smart key that locks the handlebar when the rider walks away and unlocks only once they are seated, 31 litres of under-seat storage that opens automatically, and an "Airwalk" mode that helps a rider push the scooter while walking beside it.

If the key is lost, the Konarc's screen can show its last known location, and tapping a powerless key fob against a spot on the bike recharges it enough to unlock the scooter; the mobile app can also serve as a backup key and provide an unlock code even when a rider's phone is offline. Ather says the more basic Konarc versions can now be pre-ordered in India, with deliveries starting this month.