Ather Rizta and 450 Series Gets BaaS: Electric Scooters Now Starts from Rs 75,999

Ather Energy has introduced three new measures for its customers in India: Battery as a Service (BaaS), an extended Assured Buyback programme and an Extended Comprehensive Warranty. According to the company, the steps are designed to address the key issues faced by electric vehicle (EV) buyers: high initial prices, resale value uncertainty and long-term component coverage.

Ather's Battery as a Service

Under the new BaaS option, customers can purchase the Ather Rizta starting at Rs 75,999 and the Ather 450 Series starting at Rs 84,341 (both ex-showroom). Instead of paying for the scooter and battery together, customers buy the scooter without the battery and pay for battery usage through monthly plans offered by partner banks and finance companies.

The cost of the battery will be recovered over three to four years depending on usage, with pricing set at Rs 1 per kilometre on a 48-month package with a minimum 1,000 kilometres of monthly use. Customers opting for BaaS will also have access to one year of free fast charging at Ather’s charging network across India.

Assured Buyback Programme

The Assured Buyback initiative, first introduced in February on a limited scale, is now being extended to a wider customer base. It guarantees up to 60% of the scooter’s value after three years and up to 50% after four years, depending on the distance travelled. The programme is meant to provide buyers with clarity on future resale value.

Ravneet S Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy Ltd, said "As the EV segment continues to grow in the country, we see customers with different needs and challenges entering the segment. To unlock the segment’s true potential and accelerate growth, we've rolled out a slew of initiatives to cater to the different needs of our potential customers. With BaaS, ECW and Assured Buyback, we aim to address major barriers that exist for customers when purchasing a new EV scooter. As one of the leading players, we stay committed to making it easier for families to experience the benefits of EVs."

Extended Comprehensive Warranty

The Extended Comprehensive Warranty will cover the battery and 11 other key components, including the motor, motor controller, dashboard and charger. The warranty will be valid for up to five years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. It is available to AtherStack Pro customers and is intended to reduce financial risk from major component replacements.