Ather 450S: Smart, Affordable EV for Urban India | Full Comparison with Ola Electric Scooters
The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly, and Ather Energy is one of the leading players shaping this revolution. In 2025, the brand continues to impress with its most budget-friendly offering — the Ather 450S. Designed for urban riders, it combines premium features, brand reliability, and a smart dashboard, all packed into an affordable price.
In this article, we explore the Ather 450S in detail, from performance and design to pricing and features. Most importantly, we offer a thorough comparison with its key competitor — Ola S1 series — to help you decide which electric scooter is right for you.
What is the Ather 450S?
The Ather 450S is a smart electric scooter launched as a trimmed-down version of the more premium 450X. Despite being positioned as an entry-level model, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, ride feel, or essential smart features. It caters to budget-conscious riders who want a refined and reliable EV experience.
Ather 450S Specifications (2025 Model)
- Battery Capacity: 2.9 kWh
- Range (IDC): 115 km
- Real-World Range: 90–95 km in Eco mode
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- Acceleration (0–40 km/h): 3.9 seconds
- Motor Type: PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor)
- Display: 7-inch DeepView™ LCD
- Navigation: Turn-by-turn via app pairing
- Riding Modes: SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport
- Charging Time (0–80%): 6 hours 30 minutes (home charger)
- Boot Space: 22L
- Chassis: Aluminium frame
- Brakes: Disc brakes (front & rear) with CBS
- Tyres: 90/90-12 tubeless
- Warranty: 3 years vehicle + 3 years/30,000 km battery
- Ex-showroom Price (India): ₹1.30 lakh approx.
Design and Build Quality
The Ather 450S inherits its design language from the flagship 450X, known for its sharp lines, aerodynamic curves, and minimalist appeal. The scooter feels premium due to its:
1. Aluminium chassis offering high rigidity and better weight distribution
2. Monochrome DeepView™ LCD that’s readable in sunlight
3. Flush body panels and a matte paint finish
4. Well-balanced ergonomics suitable for both short and tall riders
5.The scooter looks futuristic yet functional, ideal for daily commuters who value aesthetics as much as utility.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Even though it doesn’t come with a touchscreen like the 450X, the Ather 450S offers several smart features via its LCD display and mobile app:
1. Turn-by-turn navigation
2. Auto-off indicators
3. Ride statistics & trip analytics
4. Park assist mode
5. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
6.Call and music controls (with optional Pro Pack)
7. Theft and tow alerts via app (with Pro Pack)
These features make the 450S one of the most connected scooters in its segment.
Performance on Road
Riders often praise Ather scooters for their quick throttle response and balanced handling. The 450S delivers a similar feel with:
- Smooth acceleration up to 60 km/h
- Four ride modes to suit different traffic and battery-saving needs
- Regenerative braking, which helps extend range in city traffic
- Stable high-speed handling, even with a pillion
In real-world usage, the Ather 450S comfortably handles city commutes, short highway runs, and hilly terrain.
Charging and Range
- Home Charging: With a standard 350W charger, 0–80% charge takes around 6.5 hours
- Fast Charging: Available via Ather Grid network (paid separately)
- Range: 90–95 km in Eco mode; 70–75 km in Ride/Sport modes
For average daily use under 40 km, the 450S easily lasts two days on a single charge.
Ather 450S Pricing and Variants
The Ather 450S is available in one main variant, with optional upgrades via Pro Pack.
Base Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.30 lakh
1. With Pro Pack: Adds features like ride stats, smart alerts, advanced navigation
2. FAME II Subsidy: Applied in final pricing
3. State Subsidies: Further discounts available in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, etc.
Ather 450S vs Ola Electric (S1X & S1 Air)
The most obvious comparison to make is between the Ather 450S and Ola’s S1 range, particularly the S1X (3 kWh) and S1 Air. Here’s how they compare:
Performance and Range
- Ather 450S: 2.9 kWh battery, 115 km IDC range, 90 km/h top speed
- Ola S1X (3 kWh): 151 km IDC range, 90 km/h top speed
- Ola S1 Air: 125 km IDC range, 90 km/h top speed
Verdict: Ola offers better range on paper. Ather delivers a more refined ride.
Battery & Charging
- Ather 450S: 6.5 hours (home charger), access to Ather Grid
- Ola S1 Series: ~5 hours (home charging), no wide fast-charging network
Verdict: Ather wins on battery management and network availability.
Build & Design
- Ather: Metal chassis, solid premium build
- Ola: Plastic-heavy body, lightweight design
Verdict: Ather is more robust; Ola offers variety in styling.
Display & Features
- Ather 450S: LCD display with essential smart features
- Ola S1 Air: 7-inch touchscreen
- Ola S1X (base): Basic LCD, no smart features
Verdict: Ola wins on infotainment; Ather focuses on practical smart features.
Pricing
- Ather 450S: ₹1.30 lakh
- Ola S1 Air: ₹1.10 lakh
- Ola S1X (3 kWh): ₹99,999
- Ola S1X (2 kWh): ₹89,999
Verdict: Ola is more affordable, but Ather delivers better reliability and service.
Pros and Cons of Ather 450S
Pros
1. Excellent acceleration and ride quality
2. Smart, connected dashboard
3. Strong brand service and support
4. Reliable battery and motor performance
5. Durable metal build
Cons
1. Longer charging time compared to competitors
2. Smaller under-seat storage
3. Slightly expensive than Ola S1X
Who Should Buy the Ather 450S?
The Ather 450S is perfect for:
1. Urban commuters looking for a premium yet practical electric scooter
2. First-time EV buyers who want smart features without overpaying
3. Tech-savvy users who value app connectivity, updates, and safety
4. Students or office-goers with short-to-mid distance travel needs
It may not be the cheapest, but it offers consistent performance and fewer compromises.
Warranty & After-Sales Support
- Vehicle Warranty: 3 years / unlimited km
- Battery Warranty: 3 years or 30,000 km
- Service: Free services for the first year, then subscription plans available
- Ather Grid: Over 1,700 fast-charging points across India (as of mid-2025)
Ather’s network is constantly expanding, making ownership more convenient than ever.
Final Verdict
The Ather 450S is an ideal blend of price, performance, and practicality. For those who want the reliability of a trusted EV brand without splurging on high-end models, it’s a solid choice. While Ola offers aggressive pricing and a flashy interface, Ather delivers a refined, tested, and consistently evolving platform.
If performance and peace of mind matter more than range figures, the Ather 450S deserves your attention. You can also book your Ather 450S with their official website: https://atherenergy.com/product/scooter/book/450?model=450s
You can also read: https://khabarkhabri.com/tvs-iqube-electric-scooter/