Ather to develop new EL and Zenith EV platforms

Ather is developing two new electric two-wheeler platforms including a new e-scooter platform called "EL" and an all-new electric motorcycle platform called "Zenith". The Zenith platform is being developed to accommodate the new 125-300cc motorbike category in electric two-wheelers, while the new EL platform will serve as a more cost-effective and adaptable platform for Ather's scooter line-up in the future.

The manufacturer currently provides two electric scooter models, the 450 and the Rizta, with seven versions based on the same platform. 

Although India is observing a transition from ICE vehicles to electric vehicles, mainly driven electric-2-wheelers, the electric motorbike category has yet to gain popularity, with only a few firms producing models like Tork, Revolt, and Ultraviolette. Ather Energy’s step underlines the company’s belief in the e-motorcycles potential which represents a big opportunity. With bikes accounting for around 63% of the market, the business expects EV penetration in the motorcycle industry to reach 10% by the end of this decade.

Meanwhile, Ola Electric, India's largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer, is developing a portfolio of four electric bikes and expects to debut its first electric motorbike in the first part of FY26. It also intends to expand its offering into the mass-market motorbike category in the long term.

Meanwhile, the new electric vehicle platform for scooters is nearing completion. The new scooter platform will have new electronics, a powertrain and chassis architecture, as well as parts of the current Ather 450 platform's battery and Atherstack.

"The EL platform will allow us to develop a diverse range of scooter models tailored to various domestic and international market needs, and reduce our costs," according to the company. It is to be noted that Ather Energy has not provided a date for the introduction of two new platforms.

The automaker will build vehicles on the new platforms at its future factory in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Production at the site will begin in May 2026 in a phased manner. Currently, the firm has two production plants in Hosur (Tamil Nadu), with a combined capacity of 4.2 lakh units annually.