While the battery chemistry and size have been adjusted for the Ather scooters, there is no change in performance or charging time
Ather has introduced new models and updates for its scooters at regular intervals, giving customers access to the latest features and technologies. In recent months, the 450X Overtone series was launched and the voice command feature was unlocked for the 450X, 450 Apex and Rizzta Z. In the latest development, Ather has updated the battery pack configuration for the Rizta and 450 range.
Rizta new battery pack
Before this update, the Ather Rizta used only NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery packs. Two options were available, a 2.9 kWh NMC and a 3.7 kWh NMC unit. As per IDC standards, the certified range of these battery packs is 123 km and 159 km respectively. What has changed now is that the Rizta variant with a smaller battery pack can also be fitted with an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) 2.7 kWh battery pack.
Interestingly, when the LFP unit has a lower capacity, it still has a range of 123 km, similar to the 2.9 kWh NMC battery pack. This is also a bit surprising as LFP battery packs are known to have low energy density. LFP cells generally have low gravitational and volumetric energy density. It is commendable that Ather has maintained the same range for the Rizta even while using a lower capacity LFP battery pack.
Another thing worth noting is that the Rizta will be available with a 2.9 kWh NMC battery. This means that Rizta variants with smaller battery packs can use either LFP or NMC cells. This will be decided on the basis of which option is more easily available and viable from a business point of view. This also means that customers will not have the option to choose between LFP and NMC battery packs.
Same performance, charging time
Regardless of whether the Rizta uses an LFP or NMC battery pack, there will be no change in performance or charging time. Also, the battery warranty will be the same for both the battery packs. Another update for the Rizta is that the 3.7 kWh battery pack has been replaced with a 3.5 kWh unit. Both of these are NMC units, so there is no change in battery chemistry.
However, users will benefit as the new smaller battery pack has a higher range of 161 km. The 3.7 kWh unit offered a range of 159 km. Ather has ensured that customers will only benefit from these changes in battery configuration.
ather 450 battery update
Like the Rizta, the 450S and 450X also get the new 3.5 kWh NMC battery pack. These replace the 3.7 kWh NMC units. Performance, charging time and range are the same as before. The 450S and 450X variants equipped with the smaller 2.9 kWh NMC battery pack also remain unchanged.
Another change for the Ather 450S and 450X variants with the larger battery pack is a new 900-watt portable charger. This will allow faster charging than the earlier 700 watt unit. With the new 900W charger, 0 to 80% can be achieved in 3 hours 12 minutes. The old charger did the same work in about 4 hours 30 minutes.
It is likely that advancements in battery technology, coupled with innovation from Ather’s engineering team, have helped achieve an optimized battery configuration for Ather scooters. This has many benefits, including lower production costs and greater flexibility to adapt to evolving supply chain scenarios. Ather has ensured that customers are not affected, as performance, charging time, pricing and warranty terms will remain unchanged.
