If you’ve been eyeing an electric scooter but hesitated because of the upfront price, there’s some good news for you. Ather Confirms BaaS Prices and this fresh move could make its electric scooters up to 40% more affordable for buyers. Let’s break down what this means, how it works, and why it’s a big deal for India’s electric two-wheeler market.
What Exactly Is BaaS?
BaaS stands for Battery as a Service. It’s not entirely new in the EV world but it’s a big step for Ather. Instead of paying for the entire scooter and the battery together, buyers can pay only for the scooter and subscribe for the battery separately. This way, the high upfront cost drops by 30% to 40%, and buyers pay a manageable monthly fee.
The BaaS option is perfect for people who can handle monthly payments but find the full price tag too heavy at once. Ather’s Chief Business Officer, Ravneet Phokela, shared that they studied their buyers and saw this exact split—some want to own it outright, some prefer flexible payments. This BaaS plan directly caters to the second group.
When Is Ather’s BaaS Rolling Out?
While Ather Confirms BaaS Prices are on the way, the official rollout date hasn’t been nailed down yet. Reports suggest it might be announced within this week. The company hasn’t shared the final pricing structure either, but it could be a fixed monthly fee or something based on kilometres used.
Ather is known for testing its ideas thoroughly before launch. So expect the BaaS plan to come with smart options and clear terms that make it easy to switch from full purchase to a battery subscription.
How Will It Make EVs Cheaper?
The biggest chunk of any electric scooter’s cost comes from the battery pack. By pulling that cost out of the upfront payment and spreading it into a subscription, Ather brings the starting price down dramatically.
For example:
- A scooter costing Rs 1.5 lakh with battery might come down to around Rs 1 lakh without it.
- The buyer then pays a monthly battery fee, which can be balanced out with savings on fuel.
This simple shift can put an Ather in the same price zone as many petrol scooters—without the fuel costs and pollution.
Other Brands Testing BaaS
While Ather Confirms BaaS Prices soon, it’s not alone in trying this strategy. Honda’s Activa e uses a BaaS-like model but doesn’t offer a big cut in the upfront cost. Hero MotoCorp is also joining the scene with its Vida VX2, launched on July 1.
The advantage of early BaaS providers like Ather is they’ll grab the first wave of customers looking for affordable EVs with easy ownership plans. And with fuel prices always climbing, more people will likely switch.
Ather’s New Affordable Scooters
The BaaS plan isn’t Ather’s only card. The company is also launching a new ‘EL’ platform to make its scooters even cheaper. This new scooter is expected to be under Rs 1 lakh, which means when combined with BaaS, owning an Ather could become as normal as buying a regular petrol scooter.
The new platform will be showcased during Ather’s Community Day in August 2025. So if you’re waiting for an affordable Ather, you won’t have to wait too long.
Bigger Network and Faster Charging
Ather knows it’s not enough to just sell scooters. Buyers want easy access to sales, service, and charging. Right now, Ather has about 350 stores. By the end of the year, it plans to double that number to 750.
They’re also working on new fast chargers that can deliver better charging speeds than the current 1.5 km/minute rate. Faster charging means less waiting and more riding.
Ather’s Plans for North India
Until now, Ather has focused mostly on metro cities and southern states. With BaaS and the new affordable scooter, they’re aiming to expand deep into North India too. This move will help them tackle rivals like TVS, Bajaj, and Ola Electric, who already have strong footprints across the country.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering an Ather scooter soon:
- Upfront prices may drop by 30% to 40% once BaaS kicks in.
- Monthly subscription fees for the battery will replace the high initial battery cost.
- New EL platform scooters are coming soon at under Rs 1 lakh.
- Ather is expanding its network for easier buying and servicing.
- Faster charging and new software will make the overall user experience better.
Why This Is a Game Changer
Ather Confirms BaaS Prices at a time when many buyers want to switch to EVs but find the cost too steep. By splitting battery ownership into a subscription, Ather is removing the biggest roadblock. It’s also setting an example that other brands will likely follow.
The next few months will show how quickly buyers adapt to this new model. If it works, more people will switch from petrol to electric. This means less pollution, less noise, and a big push for India’s clean mobility mission.
FAQs
Is BaaS available for all Ather scooters?
As of now, Ather hasn’t confirmed if BaaS will cover all models. The initial rollout may focus on select scooters.
Will I own the battery under BaaS?
No. The battery remains Ather’s property. You pay to use it through a subscription.
What happens if I stop paying for BaaS?
Your access to the battery ends. Exact terms will be clear when Ather announces the final policy.
Will Ather BaaS be cheaper than petrol?
In many cases, yes. Even with a subscription, the running costs are lower than petrol scooters because you save on fuel.
Where can I get more details?
Keep an eye on Ather’s official website and local dealers for announcements in the coming weeks.
Ather Confirms BaaS Prices and if you’re thinking electric, now’s the time to watch this space. The future of EVs just got a lot more affordable.