Ather Energy sells the 450 and 450X scooter in Bangalore and Chennai – They will launch in many more cities, including Delhi this year
Ather 450X was launched in January 2020. In fact sales that month were the brand’s highest for the year thus far, surpassing the 800 units mark. As sales resumed in May 2020 after partial lockdown in March, and complete lockdown in April, sales in May were low. June and July MoM sales are just about picking up. July 2020 sales was reported at less than 200 units.
To boost sales, Ather will launch their e-scooter in many new cities, including Delhi. Now, with a clear outline of the Delhi EV Policy, Ather’s intent to begin ops in Delhi gets a fillip. Essentially, state benefits on offer will reduce on-road purchase price.
“Ather will begin deliveries of our flagship scooter Ather 450X in the coming weeks in Delhi. The state’s policy effectively reduces the on-road cost of our scooters by nearly Rs 15,000. We look forward to being in the country’s capital very soon,” said Tarun Mehta, CEO, Ather Energy.
Delhi EV Policy 2020
While Delhi sees a large number of electric three-rickshaws pressed into daily service, especially where last mile connectivity is concerned, EV adaption as far as personal mobility vehicles goes has been lacklustre. Essentially, Delhi EV policy looks to incentivise purchases through subsidies and waivers, reduce pollution, and develop infra and activities around strengthening EV adaption to generate employment. Road tax and registration fee stands waived.
Delhi Government has drafted a EV policy is time bound, and target oriented. Importantly, it’s designed to boost purchase incentives. The state offered additional subsidy would make EVs more accessible. The policy outline charging infrastructure development, carried EV types, as well as a consideration of scrapping policy for old ECE vehicles. There’s no amount yet fixed for what the payout for an old ICE vehicle will be and whether or not this will be beneficial for all future vehicle purchases, or electric vehicles alone.
As it stands, financial incentives for electric two-wheelers, e-rickshaws and electric freight vehicles will be up to Rs 30,000. The benefit is up to Rs 1,50,000 for electric cars. Proposed incentives via Delhi EV Policy will be applicable over and above e-vehicle incentives under central government.
Delhi EV Policy in its current form is designed for a three year period to start with. Progress will be monitored through regular reviews. A state electric vehicle (EV) fund will bear policy related expenses. An EV board chaired by the state transport minister will oversee policy implementation. The policy outlines the sale of a total of 5 lakh new electric vehicles over a 5-year period.
Infrastructure development outlines setting up 200 charging stations in a year, with an electric charging station every 3 kms. While it’s too early to predict policy success, on paper, the now progressive policy is planned to benefit a wide range of potential EV users. Delhi EV policy doesn’t benefit lithium battery e-scooters with speeds upto 25km/hr.
