TL; DR
- Given that the upfront costs of EVs are generally higher than those of ICE-based vehicles (valid for both two and four-wheelers), Ather Energy has introduced a new Battery as a Service (BaaS) model.
- For instance, the Ather Rizta starts at Rs. 75,999 (ex-showroom, Lucknow), which is 30% less than the e-scooter’s cost with a battery.
- The Ather Energy Baas model offers a usage-based payment system, wherein buyers have to pay Re. 1 per kilometer as part of a 48-month package with a minimum of 1,000 kilometers of monthly usage (or Rs. 1,000 per month).
The Bengaluru-based electric scooter manufacturer Ather Energy has launched three key initiatives: Battery as a Service (Baas) model, extended assured buyback programme, and comprehensive warranty. These initiatives aim further to push the adoption of electric scooters in India and address the potential issues that prospective buyers might have in mind.
Also Read: What Are E20 Upgrade Kits? Installation, Cost, Benefits, And Viability, Explained
Ather Energy To Offer Battery as a Service (BaaS)
Given that the upfront costs of EVs are generally higher than those of ICE-based vehicles (valid for both two and four-wheelers), Ather Energy has introduced a new Battery as a Service (BaaS) model.
Reduced Upfront Costs
As part of the model, buyers only have to pay the ex-showroom cost of the scooter (along with the applicable taxes) without paying for the battery. This leads to a significant reduction in the upfront cost of the scooter, as the price is split between the body shell and the battery.
- For instance, the Ather Rizta starts at Rs. 75,999 (ex-showroom, Lucknow), which is 30% less than the e-scooter’s cost with a battery.
- Further, the Ather 450 series is available at a starting price of Rs. 84,341 (ex-showroom, Lucknow).
Monthly Plan For Battery
Apart from the upfront reduction, buyers can choose a plan to pay for the battery according to their monthly usage.
The Ather Energy Baas model offers a usage-based payment system, wherein buyers have to pay Re. 1 per kilometer as part of a 48-month package with a minimum of 1,000 kilometers of monthly usage (or Rs. 1,000 per month).
Also Read: Samsung’s First Smart Glasses Arriving Next Year With Proprietary Software: Report
This way, the buyer ends up paying the cost of the battery over three to four years instead of paying it up front. Ather Energy has also announced free fast charging for a year at the company’s 4,300+ fast chargers across the country.
Most recently, MG Motor India offered a similar BaaS model to boost the sales of its EV passenger cars, and it proved to be successful in the price-sensitive Indian market.
Extended Assured Buyback Programme
Along with the Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, Ather Energy is also offering a buyback scheme, wherein customers can get up to 60% of the vehicle’s value after three years, and 50% after four years.
However, the official press release mentions that the buyback programme is subject to the kilometers driven. While we could find some reports saying that the buyback value is offered only when the vehicle is driven under 30,000 kilometers in three years, we couldn’t find any official confirmation for the same.
Either way, the assured buyback programme, if explained thoroughly to customers at the time of purchase, should instill confidence in the resale value of electric scooters.
Also Read: One UI 8 Beta Rolling Out To More Users In Korea & UK, Indian Users To Get Beta Update Soon
Enhanced Comprehensive Warranty
The Extended Comprehensive Warranty protects customers against manufacturing defects on the battery and 11 other components (such as the motor, dashboard, charger, etc.) for up to five years or 60,000 kilometers for AtherStack Pro customers (a paid service that isn’t included in the price of the scooter).
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
