‘Ather Energy may venture into electric-bikes’
Ather Energy, the electric vehicle (EV) scooter brand, may also venture into making electric motorcycles. In an interview with co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) SWAPNIL JAIN said right now the firm is heavily focused on scooters, which is the biggest market. Edited excerpts:
Ather has been making a lot of investments in research and development, but the outcome of such efforts takes a long time. How has this given you an edge over others?
The investments have been the reason that we have been able to develop the entire product. Not a single piece of technology has been brought from somewhere else. We are doing much more than any other OEM (original equipment manufacturer) does, including the ICE (internal combustion engine) players. Every single electronic component on the vehicle is designed by our team. The advantage it has given us is that it helps us continuously improve the product at a rapid scale. We are in 100 per cent control of the design.
Ather has been mainly focusing on the premium segment. Is it working for you at a time when other players are looking at the mass market?
It is working brilliantly for us because we are focused on the customers who are able to appreciate the value of a refined product. It is not that we only want to sell to premium customers. But as a first product, it is actually working quite well for us.
We always wanted to establish a certain image in the market.
Until now, the image of EVS was really poor. Operating in the premium segment helps us to continue delivering good quality and also deliver a sustainable business model. We may later venture into electric motorbikes.
innovations you are focusing on, including the safety aspects, as some of the EVS have caught fire?
We launched our own motor controller recently and a new battery pack, which has a higher capacity. We are constantly increasing the algorithms, which go on to the vehicle. There is Smarteco mode, which gives you better performance. We are planning a lot of software upgrades. We have a trip planner, which helps you plan your trip around a charging station. If you want to go from place A to place B and don't have enough charge, it will tell you the nearest charging station. There are thermal interfaces and a material inside the battery pack. We will ensure that your vehicle doesn't become overcharged.