Ather Konarc Spied
Similar to the Rizta, the new Konarc electric scooter will help Ather boost volumes by targeting mainstream buyers
Ather has confirmed that its newest electric scooter ‘Konarc’ will be unveiled at its annual Community Day, scheduled on 29th August. Konarc is based on an entirely new EL platform, which focuses on comfort, practicality and affordability. Ahead of its launch, Konarc was recently spotted undergoing high-altitude and cold weather testing in the Himalayas.
Ather Konarc spied
In these latest spy shots, Konarc can be seen in a convoy, riding with other Ather scooters like the 450 and Rizta. Ather has stated that Konarc has been rigorously tested in cold weather conditions for a period of 60 days. During this time, the scooter was subjected to low temperatures in the range of -4 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius.
Ather Konarc Spied
These extreme tests were conducted to evaluate various parameters such as peak performance and battery efficiency in cold weather. Charging capabilities of the scooter in sub-zero temperatures were also assessed. Testing in the Himalayas helped check the scooter’s all-weather riding capabilities as well.
These tests are necessary since large parts of India experience significant temperature variations. There are also locations where rain and high humidity can be a major challenge. For an electric scooter, these factors can impact battery performance. Since Konarc will be positioned as a mass-market product, reliability and the ability to perform in varied conditions become priorities.
Ather Konarc Spied
Ather Konarc – Design and features
With its simple yet elegant profile, Ather Konarc has the quintessential mass-market appeal. The scooter gets a curvaceous design, which is different from the sharp lines seen with Ather’s 450 range. Key highlights of Konarc electric scooter include a rectangular LED headlamp, a full-width curved DRL mounted lower on the apron and a conventional-style broad front fender.
Ather lettering can be seen just above the DRL on a glossy black strip. The scooter has a compact windscreen in a blacked-out finish. On the side, key features include a spacious floorboard area and front pockets for storing small items. Ather Konarc has a single-piece seat, which is wide, long and comfortable.
Ather Konarc Spied
Other features include retractable pillion footrests and distinctive creases on the side panels. At the rear, the lighting setup follows the same basic format as seen with the DRL at the front. Built for utility and family-oriented needs, Ather Konarc is expected to get decent sized underseat storage. Tech kit could include a TFT display with support for Bluetooth, connected features and turn-by-turn navigation.
Performance, battery, range
Specifications of Ather Konarc are yet to be revealed. However, it is known that the EL-01 platform supports battery packs in the range of 2 kWh to 5 kWh. With improvements in battery technology and linked systems, even a 2 kWh variant could deliver a decent range for everyday commutes.
Ather Konarc will have a swingarm-mounted electric motor, something similar to that of the 450. However, its performance could be tuned for family-oriented needs. Other expected features include 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels, a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. Ather Konarc could be launched at a starting price of around Rs 1 lakh. It will challenge rivals like TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Hero Vida VX2.