Rizta new battery packsPrior to this update, Ather Rizta utilized only NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery packs.
Two options were available, a 2.9 kWh NMC and a 3.7 kWh NMC unit.
This is a bit surprising also because LFP battery packs are known to have a lower energy density.
Ather 450 battery updatesSimilar to the Rizta, the 450S and 450X also get the new 3.5 kWh NMC battery pack.
There is also no change in the 450S and 450X variants equipped with the smaller 2.9 kWh NMC battery pack.
While the battery chemistry and sizes have been adjusted for Ather scooters, there is no change in performance or charging time
Ather has introduced new models and updates for its scooters at regular intervals, giving customers access to the latest features and technologies. In recent months, the 450X Overtones Series was launched and Voice Commands feature was unlocked for 450X, 450 Apex and Rizta Z. In the latest development, Ather has updated the battery pack configurations for Rizta and 450 range.
Rizta new battery packs
Prior to this update, Ather Rizta utilized only NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery packs. Two options were available, a 2.9 kWh NMC and a 3.7 kWh NMC unit. These battery packs have a certified range of 123 km and 159 km, respectively, as per IDC standards. What has changed now is that Rizta variants with the smaller battery pack can also be fitted with a LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) 2.7 kWh battery pack.
Interestingly, even when the LFP unit has lower capacity, it has the same 123 km range as available with the 2.9 kWh NMC battery pack. This is a bit surprising also because LFP battery packs are known to have a lower energy density. LFP cells generally have lower gravimetric and volumetric energy density. It is commendable that Ather has maintained the same range for the Rizta even when using a lower capacity LFP battery pack.
Another thing worth noting is that the 2.9 kWh NMC battery will continue to be available with the Rizta. It means that Rizta variants with the smaller battery packs could use either LFP or NMC cells. This will be decided based on which option is more readily available and viable from a business perspective. It also means that customers won’t have the option to choose between LFP and NMC battery packs.
Same performance, charging time
Irrespective of whether Rizta uses the LFP or NMC battery pack, there won’t be any change in performance or charging time. Also, the battery warranty will be the same for both battery packs. Another update for the Rizta is that the 3.7 kWh battery pack has been replaced with a 3.5 kWh unit. Both of these are NMC units, so there is no change in the battery chemistry.
However, users will benefit because the new smaller battery pack has a higher range of 161 km. The 3.7 kWh unit offered a range of 159 km. Ather has ensured that customers have only to gain from these changes in battery configurations.
Ather 450 battery updates
Similar to the Rizta, the 450S and 450X also get the new 3.5 kWh NMC battery pack. These replace the 3.7 kWh NMC units. Performance, charging time and range are the same as earlier. There is also no change in the 450S and 450X variants equipped with the smaller 2.9 kWh NMC battery pack.
Another change for Ather 450S and 450X variants with the larger battery pack is a new 900 watt portable charger. This will allow faster charging in comparison to the earlier 700 watt unit. 0 to 80% can be achieved in 3 hours 12 minutes with the new 900 watt charger. The older charger did the same job in around 4 hours 30 minutes.
It is likely that advancements in battery technology, coupled with innovation from Ather’s engineering team, have helped achieve an optimized battery configuration for Ather scooters. This has multiple benefits, including reduced production costs and greater flexibility to adapt to evolving supply chain scenarios. Ather has ensured that customers are not impacted, as performance, charging time, pricing and warranty terms remain unchanged.
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