Ather is targeting to more than double its retail footprint to between 1,800 and 2,000 stores over the next two years as the EV maker rolls out its new family scooter Konarc and expands production capacity, according to a senior company official. The company currently sells the 450X and Rizta electric scooters, which are positioned in the premium and mass premium segments of the market across some 750 stores. The company plans to use its new EL platform to broaden its product range into the more affordable segment.
More scooters of different battery sizes expected from the EL platform
Ather EV motorcycle at least two years away
Production capacity to increase with the Aurangabad plant becoming operational
Number of retail stores and production to increase
More products expected from the Konarc’s EL platform
The newly unveiled Konarc will be available in two variants and six battery options at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 99,999. The delivery of the first two battery options (S 125 and S 161) is set to commence in September 2026. “We are targeting 1,800 to 2,000 stores in the next 24 months,” Ather Energy’s Chief Business Officer Ravneet Phokela said. Phokela said the company expects the domestic market to remain its main focus for now, with exports only becoming important after a few years.
The EL platform, on which the Konarc is based, can produce different types of scooters, and it can also accommodate different battery sizes, wheel dimensions and dashboard designs. The company boasts that the platform helps launch more products while also reducing costs through changes like lower use of aluminium and simpler engineering. Ather has said it plans to launch multiple scooter products based on the platform first; and added that an Ather electric motorcycle is more than two years away.
Ather’s push into a wider range of scooters comes as the company looks to increase production capacity. Ather currently manufactures electric scooters at its Hosur plant, which has an annual production capacity of 4.20 lakh units. Its upcoming Aurangabad facility is expected to add another 5 lakh units of annual capacity when its first phase becomes operational later this year. The company said that it’s also considering whether to accelerate the second phase of the Aurangabad facility if demand continues to grow at its current pace.
Hyundai India is offering an attractive range of benefits on select models in its portfolio. Depending on the model chosen, customers can avail up to Rs 1 lakh in benefits, valid until September 30, 2026.
Disclaimer: Offers/benefits may vary by city and are subject to stock availability. Buyers are advised to check with their local dealer for exact figures.
Hyundai Creta offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh
The Creta mid-size SUV is available with benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh. The Korean carmaker’s best-selling model in India is offered with a trio of 1.5-litre engines, namely, a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel engine. All engines are offered with manual and automatic gearboxes. Prices range between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 19.91 lakh, with the Creta taking on rivals like the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq, and Maruti Victoris.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 70,000
Hyundai’s Grand i10 Nios is being offered with up to Rs 70,000 in benefits. Its most affordable model in India is offered solely with a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to either a manual or AMT gearbox. A factory-fit dual-cylinder CNG kit can be fitted to this engine and is paired exclusively with a manual gearbox. The Grand i10 is priced between Rs 5.59 lakh to Rs 8.04 lakh and is Hyundai’s answer to the Maruti Swift and the Tata Tiago.
Hyundai i20 offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 60,000
The Grand i10’s elder sibling, the i20, is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 60,000. Standard versions of the i20 come powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated with either a manual or CVT automatic gearbox. The i20 is priced from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 11.59 lakh, and it competes with the Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz, and the Toyota Glanza.
Hyundai Exter offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 50,000
Hyundai is offering benefits of up to Rs 50,000 on the Exter. The subcompact SUV was updated earlier this year with refreshed looks and feature additions. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and is mated with either a manual or AMT gearbox. Like the Grand i10, it also gets a CNG kit fitted to this engine. The Exter’s price begins at Rs 5.8 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.46 lakh. It takes on the likes of the Tata Punch.
Hyundai Aura offers in September 2026
Benefits of up to Rs 30,000
The Aura compact sedan is available with benefits of up to Rs 30,000. The Aura shares the same petrol engine as the Grand i10 Nios and the Exter, along with a CNG version on offer. It is priced between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 8.59 lakh and competes with the Tata Tigor, Maruti Dzire, and the Honda Amaze.
Simple, the Bengaluru based EV startup, has finally launched their family scooter Wave today. The scooter was first spotted testing back in March this year and was earlier referred to as Arrive during development. Simple is looking to position this as a mass market scooter compared to their sharp, performance focussed One and One S.
Simple Wave has four variants; six, if you count instrument cluster options
Lowest variant has a 2.2kWh battery, top variant has a 5kWh battery
Delivery starts from 25 September 2026
Simple Wave: What you should know
New and improved motor, battery, and design
The Wave is based on an updated platform of the brand’s One scooter range. The first update is to the suspension, with the Wave using a twin shock rear suspension (compared to the One’s monoshock) and a much longer seat. Speaking of which, the Wave has a whopping 920mm long seat, claimed to be the longest scooter seat in the country. The other headline is the 70L storage in the Wave. Of which, 63 litres come from the under seat compartment, three litres on the front apron cubby, and four litres from a quick access pocket on the left side of the rider’s seat (called Pill Storage). An identical pocket for the right side is offered as an accessory.
The Wave has four variants by battery capacity. The base WaveS is offered in two battery capacities, 2.2kWh and 2.7kWh with 110km and 132km of IDC range, respectively. The middle variant, Wave, has a 3.7kWh battery and 171km of IDC range, and the top Wave+ variant has a 5kWh battery and 243km of IDC range. Wave+ currently has the highest range in its segment. Compared to the One range, the powertrain has seen updates all over. The 6.4kW motor has been updated to third generation and so has the Battery Management System, with the overall size of the motor reduced by 15 percent.
For context, the One uses a 5kWh battery and an 8.8kW motor; the One S has a 3.7kWh battery and a 6.4kW motor. They offer up to 265km and 190km of claimed range, respectively. Do note that there’s also a One Ultra with a 6.5kWh battery and a motor with 8.8kW of power with a claimed 400km range, but the delivery dates for that have not been announced so far. The One Ultra is currently the most expensive scooter from Simple, priced at Rs 2.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru).
The scooter’s design has also shifted to a sleeker silhouette, letting go of the One’s sharp and aggressive lines. Simple claims it’s inspired by water, as opposed to air for the One range. However, the Wave retains the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster. The Wave+ gets it as standard, whereas the lower variants offer an option between the TFT or an InfinityBlack LCD cluster. The WaveS variants get three ride modes (EcoX, Eco, and Ride) with a claimed top speed of 75kph. Wave and Wave+ variants add an additional Sports mode and increases the top speed to 90kph. The 2.2kWh variant is available in two colours, 2.7kWh variants in four, and the 3.7kWh and 5kWh variants in six colours.
First spotted on the test mule, the Wave swaps the rear disc from the One range for a more cost-effective rear drum brake but retains the Combined Braking System (CBS) across all four variants. However, the One scooters offer traction control as standard rider aid, with the Wave limiting it to — called GripSense now — on the higher variants. Dimensions-wise, compared to the One range, seat height has been lowered by 5mm to 775mm and ground clearance has been increased by 3mm to 175mm.
The Simple Wave has been priced starting at Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). Simple has announced that deliveries commence from September 25. Prices for the higher variants hasn’t been revealed, and Simple hasn’t clarified if the delivery date applies to all the variants. With its pricing, the Simple Wave directly rivals other EV scooters like the new Ather Konarc, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Vida, and TVS iQube, with range as its biggest trump card over all of them.
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based midsize SUV has been spied testing on our roads once again ahead of its launch this festive season. This latest sighting gives us the clearest look yet at the upcoming model which will sit below the Creta in Hyundai’s lineup, but still measure over 4-meters in length.
Although it’s based on the international-spec Bayon, the India-spec model gets a complete different top hat with crossover-ish stance and sharp LED styling elements. It is expected to come with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual and CVT gearbox options. This engine will also be offered in CNG form with an underbody tank, making the Bayon-based SUV the first Hyundai car over four metres long to be powered by CNG.
Much like Maruti, this will give Hyundai a two-pronged plan to tackle the burgeoning midsize SUV market.
Mitsubishi has revealed the fifth-generation Pajero, marking a comeback for the SUV after it was discontinued globally in 2021. It is built on a ladder-frame chassis like the older Pajeros, and is offered with a 2.4-litre diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. It is around 5 metres long and has a 2,870mm wheelbase. Its exterior design has been revamped and modernised, but the upright stance has been retained. The interior looks clean and premium, with dual displays, leatherette upholstery on the 7 seats and all the major touchpoints of the SUV.
Vinfast plans to design, develop and manufacture electric vehicles specifically for India as it expands its operations in the country. The Vietnamese EV maker has also received investment approval for Phase 2 of its Thoothukudi plant in Tamil Nadu, although it has not disclosed the investment amount, additional production capacity or timeline for the expansion.
Phase 2 of Vinfast’s Thoothukudi plant gets investment approval
Vinfast to increase sourcing from Indian suppliers
India-specific EVs won’t be existing cars adapted for the market
Vinfast says its upcoming models will not simply be existing products adapted for India. The company plans to develop them specifically for local requirements and with a higher level of localisation.
“For upcoming models, Vinfast’s approach is not simply to bring existing products from our global portfolio into the market, but to design, develop and manufacture products specifically for India, tailored to the needs of local customers, while also targeting a much higher level of localisation,” a Vinfast spokesperson told our sister publication, Autocar Professional.
The company said it has conducted market studies and customer clinics to understand Indian customer requirements. Feedback from these exercises has already been used to make changes to products such as the VF6 and VF7 for the Indian market.
VF6, VF7 CKD assembly to continue
VinFast currently assembles the VF6 and VF7 from completely knocked down (CKD) kits at its Thoothukudi facility. The company has clarified that it has neither changed nor suspended production plans for the two SUVs and will continue CKD assembly for India. The clarification follows a Reuters report that had raised questions over the carmaker’s production plans for the two models.
Vinfast said India remains an important part of its long-term business and manufacturing strategy, adding that the initial response to its products has helped it consistently rank among the five largest electric passenger vehicle brands in India.
Vinfast to expand local supplier base
The carmaker is also working to increase sourcing from Indian suppliers. It has held supplier conferences in India and Vietnam involving more than 300 Indian suppliers to explore sourcing opportunities and increase localisation.
“Building a sustainable and resilient supply chain is the foundation of Vinfast’s long-term strategy in India. Accordingly, we are accelerating our operations in line with the ‘Make in India’ direction,” the spokesperson said.
Vinfast is also engaging with government agencies on policy measures aimed at supporting further production and investment by global EV manufacturers in India. The company described the approval for Phase 2 of the Thoothukudi plant as an important step towards expanding its manufacturing capacity.
Nissan Motor India announced the commencement of exports for the Tekton on September 1, 2026. The automaker stated that the Tekton will be sold in South Africa, Bhutan, and Nepal. For this first batch, the company said it has dispatched a total of 1,300 units to the three countries.
Nissan India’s domestic wholesales grow by 147 percent YoY
Tekton’s launch has helped drive momentum for the brand
Nissan India’s domestic wholesales increased by 147 percent year-on-year to 3,246 units in August 2026, up from 1,384 units registered in the corresponding period last year. The growth was driven by the domestic market rollout of the Tekton alongside sustained volumes for its existing SUV portfolio, according to Nissan.
However, international export dispatches across all models totaled 5,924 units during the month, down 23.7 percent year-on-year from 7,769 in August 2025. This reduction in exports offset the large gain in domestic wholesales, with total wholesales increasing marginally by 2.2 percent from 9,153 units to 9,350 units year-on-year.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The response to the Nissan Tekton has been encouraging and has contributed to a strong domestic wholesale performance in August.” Nissan said that the initial shipments to South Africa, Nepal, and Bhutan represent the first phase of the model’s overseas rollout, with plans to expand dispatches to additional export destinations as production scales up.
The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero has debuted, marking a comeback for the SUV nameplate after its 2021 discontinuation. Like the previous-generation model, the 2026 Pajero has a ladder-frame chassis and gets a four-wheel-drive (4WD) setup with a low-range transfer case. It is offered only with a diesel engine and has a fairly modernised exterior and interior design in its fifth-generation avatar.
The diesel engine produces 480Nm and is mated to an 8-speed AT
Has a wheelbase of 2,870mm and offers a 230mm ground clearance
Bookings for the Range Rover Electric have commenced in India from today. Order books are open for Range Rover Electric standard wheelbase in Autobiography and long-wheelbase in SV, SV Ultra and SV Black versions. The company is also accepting bookings for the standard wheelbase Range Rover Electric First Edition.
The Range Rover Electric is Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) second EV after the Jaguar I-Pace. However, unlike the contract-manufactured Jaguar I-Pace, the Range Rover Electric is the first EV to be fully developed and built in-house at JLR.
It’s not a stretch to say that the Konarc is the most important product from Ather yet, because the company hopes this new EV will help it unlock segments and markets hitherto untouched by it. The question then is, will the Konarc live up to the lofty expectations placed on its shoulders?
Konarc Design and Quality – 9/10
Straightforward design with high quality finish
The Konarc S is offered in four classy yet inoffensive colours
Striking looks aren’t a trait family scooters are known for and Ather wanted to play it very safe with the Konarc to bring in buyers that typically shop for ‘decent-looking’ scooters. While it does look a bit plain, it will still not completely meld into the ocean of humdrum two-wheelers on the road. Further reinforcing its family scooter aspirations are a quartet of very classy, yet inoffensive colours.
Another aspect that the Konarc’s prospective customers will appreciate is its excellent finish and quality levels all across – a typical Ather trait.
Konarc Ride and Handling – 9/10
Excellent ride and seating comfort, planted and surefooted handler
One big reason Ather moved to the new EL platform is that its earlier platform was never built for outright comfort and practicality. In this application, the main focus was to maximise comfort for both rider and pillion. The use of a 14-in front wheel and suspension with 90mm/100mm (F/R) of travel are two key factors in providing lovely ride comfort here.
31L boot is deep enough to fit a premium helmet
Point the Konarc towards most bumps and it will round them off without getting unsettled while isolating you from the shock to a great extent. In the scooter space, this is one of the most comfortable options available. Ofcourse, this is still a scooter and really big bumps will filter through – don’t expect motorcycle-like comfort.
Specifications
Values
Wheelbase
1352 mm
Kerb Weight
126.5 kg
Chassis type
Monocoque Full – Steel Body Construction
Something that a typical family scooter buyer values is a centre stand and the Konarc becomes the first Ather to offer it. Like other family scooters, the Konarc’s chassis is geared towards stability and ease of use. Despite the larger 14-in wheel and long 1352mm wheelbase, it felt very straightforward to ride. Its low 770mm seat height will help shorter folks get their feet down comfortably although its wide floorboard will have an impact here.
Main stand can touch down in deep ruts
A spacious seat with a padded backrest means two full-size riders will fit comfortably on the Konarc. Another nice feature is that the front end doesn’t get flighty even with a heavy pillion onboard, despite no preload adjustability on the monoshock. The only ergonomic miss is that riders taller than 5’10 will find their knees touching the handlebar during full-lock turns.
Specifications
Values
Wheel Size
Front – 14 inch, Rear – 12 inch
Front Tyre Size
90/90-14
Rear Tyre Size
100/90-12
Brake type
Front – Disc, Rear – Drum
Front Brake Size
220 mm
Rear Brake Size
130 mm
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork, 90mm travel
Rear Suspension Type
Dual Hydraulic Coil Spring, 100mm travel
Konarc Performance – 8/10
Has enough performance, new motor has very silent running
Not only is the Konarc a big leap ahead in terms of comfort, its riding experience is also well-suited to city commuting. A big part of that is down to the comfort but its new swingarm-mounted motor also contributes here. Unlike the Rizta and 450 which used a rather noisy and relatively more maintenance intensive belt final drive, this motor is whisper quiet. It also directly powers the rear wheel without a chain or belt, reducing the number of components in the powertrain.
Specifications
Values
Fuel Type/ Propulsion
Electric
Motor Type
PMSM
Max Motor Power
4.7 kW
Max Motor Torque
16 Nm
EV Battery Capacity
2.7 kWh
With 4.7kW and 16Nm of torque on tap, the Konarc’s performance is best described as sufficient, but only in the top Power mode. Here, the scooter is capable of negotiating its way through big city traffic reasonably quickly. Switching to Eco / SmartEco dulls acceleration significantly and unless you’re running out of juice or you live in a small town, this level of performance will feel out of place.
450W onboard charger integrated into motor controller means you only need to carry a small cable around
Except for the bottom 2.1, all S variants come with a front disc brake, a rear drum and CBS. This setup is capable of bringing the Konarc to a halt quickly and safely with almost no hiccups. The one concern with the combined braking system was that the front could lock up when braking on sandy, gravelly loose surfaces using the rear brake lever exclusively. Only the Z variants launching next year come with Ather’s AeBS (Advanced Electronic Braking System) which uses the regen system to shorten braking distances.
Konarc Features – 8/10
S variants are decently equipped but Z gets all the feel-good ones
And that is a good segue into the way Ather has distributed features across the S and Z. The keyless ignition system, automatic seat opening, AeBS, Magic Twist regen braking, traction control, the colour TFT display and all the smart functions enabled by it are reserved only for the Z. Common to all Konarcs is the 31L underseat storage area, which can easily swallow an imported full-face helmet with room to spare.
7-inch dash informative and legible but not full colour
What three S variants (except the most affordable one) get is the 7-in simple TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, hill hold assist, reverse, several app-based functions, a 450W onboard charger and Airwalk. Airwalk is basically the Konarc’s motor sending a tiny amount of power to the rear wheel when you’re pushing it around to help make your life easier – this is truly effective and makes the 129kg Konarc feel far lighter than it is when moving it around. While the S has a good number of features, when you bring pricing into the equation, it stings a little.
Same charging port for both onboard & portable chargers
Konarc Price and Verdict – 8/10
Not a cutthroat price but this is still a polished and competitive scooter
The two S variants which are on sale right now, S 125 and S 161, are priced at Rs 1.22 lakh and Rs 1.45 lakh, respectively – near identical pricing to the Rizta S. Like the Rizta, you have to pay extra for the Ather StackPro which unlocks many of the smart electronic features.
The base S 2.1 (Rs 99,999) misses out on niceties like the disc brake and backrest and comes with rudimentary tech and a basic 4.2-in display. In that sense, the Konarc isn’t really pushing the envelope when it comes to an alluring price.
Variant
Price (ex-showroom)
Konarc S 100
Rs 1 lakh
Konarc S 125
Rs 1.22 lakh
Konarc S 161
Rs 1.45 lakh
However, as a scooter, the Konarc is a well-thought out product that nails comfort, promises enough performance, predictable range and lower maintenance costs. Ather claims a 10,000km / 1 year service interval and lower service charges owing to fewer parts and quicker turnaround times.
It may not have made as stellar an impression as it could have with more aggressive pricing, but nonetheless the Konarc definitely has what it takes to elevate Ather to a higher echelon in the market.
