Ather 450S vs Ola S1 Air: Range, specs, and price comparison of entry-level electric scooters
Electric scooters are becoming more popular and affordable in India, thanks to the efforts of two leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers: Ather Energy and Ola Electric. Both companies have recently launched their entry-level models, the Ather 450S and the Ola S1 Air, which offer impressive features and performance at competitive prices. But which one of these electric scooters is better suited for your needs? Let’s find out by comparing them in various aspects.
Electric powertrain
The Ather 450S features a PMSM electric motor with 7.24bhp and 22Nm of torque. The model comes packed with a decent-sized 2.9kWh battery pack. In comparison, the Ola S1 Air packs in a 6.03bhp hub-mounted electric motor and a slightly larger 3kWh battery pack.
Both the entry-level scooters have a top speed of 90kmph, but the S1 Air is slightly quicker accelerating from 0 to 40kmph in 3.3 seconds, while the 450S takes 3.9 seconds. The S1 Air also has a higher continuous power output of 4.5kW, compared to the 450S’s 3.3kW.
Battery specs and range
The Ather 450S claims to offer a range of 115km on a single charge, while the Ola S1 Air boasts a certified range of 125km. However, these figures may vary depending on the riding mode, road conditions, and rider’s weight.
The Ather 450S can be fully charged with the home charger in 8 hours and 36 minutes, while the Ola S1 Air is claimed to be able to charge in 5 hours. Both e-scooters also support fast charging, which can reduce the charging time significantly. The Ather 450S can get up to 15km of range in just 10 minutes of fast charging, while the Ola S1 Air can get up to 18km of range at the same time.
Both e-scooters offer multiple riding modes to suit different preferences and situations. The Ather 450S has four modes: Eco, Ride, Sport, and SmartEco. The Ola S1 Air has three modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports.
Price
The Ather 450S is priced at Rs. 1.29 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Ola S1 Air undercuts it by Rs. 20,000, priced at Rs. 1.09 lakh (ex-showroom). However, these prices are introductory and will be increased after a certain number of bookings or sales have been achieved.
Both e-scooters are also eligible for state subsidies under the FAME II scheme, which can bring down the effective cost further. For instance, in Delhi, the Ather 450S costs Rs. 1.05 lakh after subsidy, while the Ola S1 Air costs Rs. 85,099 after subsidy.
Features and design
Both e-scooters come with a host of smart features and a sleek design that make them stand out from the crowd. The Ather 450S has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard that displays various information such as speed, battery level, navigation, range, etc. The Ola S1 Air has a smaller but sharper 7-inch display that runs on the MoveOS operating system and offers features such as voice assistant, music control, call/SMS alerts, etc.
Both e-scooters also have LED headlights and tail lights, reverse mode, side stand sensors, anti-theft alarms, geo-fencing, OTA updates, etc. The Ola S1 Air also has some unique features such as external speakers, cruise control, hill hold assist, etc.
In terms of design, both e-scooters have a futuristic and minimalist look that appeals to young and urban riders. The Ather 450S has a sharp and angular body with an exposed frame and belt drive. The Ola S1 Air has a smooth and curvy body with a flat floorboard and hub motor. Both e-scooters are available in multiple colour options to suit different tastes.
Conclusion
The Ather 450S and the Ola S1 Air are both excellent choices for anyone looking for an entry-level electric scooter that offers good performance, range, features, and design. However, the Ola S1 Air has a slight edge over the Ather 450S in terms of power, range, charging time, price, and some additional features. The Ather 450S, on the other hand, has a more established network of fast charging stations and service centers across the country, which can be an advantage for some customers. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preference and budget.
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