Ather to launch S340 electric scooter in India this year
What's the story
Future of automobiles is electric. Back in India, companies like Hero Electric, Ampere, Okinawa, and Ather Energy are leading from the front in the electric scooter space. In the latest update, homegrown company Ather Energy is working to launch its first e-scooter, the Ather S340, in India this year. The pre-bookings for this highly-anticipated scooter will start in June. Here's all about it.
Design and Driving
The scooter looks good in pictures, feels solid on paper
The Ather S340 sports sharp looks. It is equipped with LED light, alloy wheels, a telescopic fork, a rear monoshock, disc brakes at both ends along with a combined braking system. For ride convenience, the company claims a 51:49 weight distribution (front to rear), and symmetrical lateral weight distribution (left to right), low center of gravity and a low-speed reverse gear.
Performance
It gets a 5kW DC motor, offers peak-torque of 14Nm
The Ather S340 packs a 5kW brushless DC electric motor which generates a maximum power of 6.4 bhp and delivers a class-leading peak torque of 14Nm. The scooter has a top speed of 72 kmph and can accelerate from 0-40 kmph in 5.1 seconds, claims the company. Notably, the scooter will require registration and the rider needs to have a valid driving license.
Battery and Mileage
A 2.2kWh Lithium-ion battery, claimed range of 60km
The S340 packs a 2.2kWh Lithium-ion battery and offers a range of 60km on a single charge. It also features an intelligent 'battery management system' which monitors the overall battery charge capacity and the range it can offer. The battery, rated IP 67, is dust and waterproof and sits underneath the floorboard to provide a low center of gravity which results in better handling.
Uninterrupted Rides
A convenient fast charging system; battery life of 50,000km
The e-scooter gets a fast charging system which is said to offer 80% charge (or 50km range) in one hour. For further convenience, the scooter can be charged via a regular 5-amp electrical socket, the everyday socket we use to charge phones or laptops. Ather says that the battery pack has a rated life of 50,000km, and will need replacement past this mileage mark.
Connected
Interactive touchscreen, on-screen navigation and OTA firmware updates
The Ather S340 features an IP 65 rated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen which provides information such as trip-meters, battery charge (range), speed and display maps for navigation. Moreover, the display can connect to your mobile phone via an app to help you view riding patterns and request remote diagnostics. Further, the scooter's firmware can receive updates over-the-air for adding features and functionality over time.