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Launch · Mobility & Logistics

Ather unveils charging network in Bengaluru

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Date
Company
Ather Energy
What it does
Electric smart scooter manufacturer
Kind
Launch
Based in
Bengaluru
Sector
Mobility & Logistics

What they do

Ather Energy makes electric smart scooters and charging infrastructure

What happened

It launched AtherGrid, a network of 17 charging stations in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to 60 by end of 2018

Why it matters

The stations are free for all EVs for six months; S340 customers get free access for 12 months

The details

  • Ather Energy unveiled AtherGrid, a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Bengaluru.
  • It has installed 17 charging stations and plans to have 30 by end of May 2018 and 60 by end of 2018.
  • The company aims to place a charging station every 4 km in Bengaluru.
  • AtherGrid will launch in Chennai by end of 2018, followed by Pune.
  • Charging points are installed at malls, cafes, restaurants, tech parks, multiplexes, and gyms, and are open to all electric vehicles.
  • Ather partnered with Sanmina Corporation (California) to manufacture key components like charging systems, battery management systems, and dashboards.
  • The first Experience Center opened in Indiranagar, Bengaluru for test rides.
  • A mobile app will help users find and navigate charging stations with integrated payment.

The bigger picture

  • Ather is building a charging network to support its own electric scooter S340 and other EVs.
  • The company is backed by Tiger Global and Hero MotoCorp, which holds about 30% stake.
  • Host locations install points on a pro-bono basis; a revenue share model will start later.

About the business

  • Ather Energy manufactures the electric smart scooter S340.
  • It also builds charging infrastructure under the brand AtherGrid.
  • Charging points are installed at partner locations like malls, cafes, and tech parks.
  • The company uses a revenue share model with host locations, starting later.
  • AtherGrid is open to all electric vehicles, not just Ather scooters.

What happens next

  • Expand AtherGrid to Chennai by end of 2018, then Pune.
  • Open pre-orders for S340 in Bengaluru from June 2018.
  • Launch a mobile app for finding and paying at charging stations.
  • Post-complimentary pricing for charging will be disclosed later.

The deal

Type
launch

Investors

  • Tiger Global (existing) — Tiger Global is an investment firm that backs Ather Energy.
  • Hero MotoCorp (existing) — Hero MotoCorp holds about 30% stake in Ather Energy.
  • Sachin Bansal (existing) — Co-founder of Flipkart; led seed round in December 2014.
  • Binny Bansal (existing) — Co-founder of Flipkart; led seed round in December 2014.

Founders

  • Tarun Mehta, CEO
  • Swapnil Jain, Co-founder

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