Photo source: www.atherenergy.com
Ather Energy, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced its new Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, marking a significant step in making electric mobility more affordable and accessible. This initiative allows customers to purchase an Ather scooter without the battery pack, thereby reducing the upfront cost. Instead, the battery is offered on a subscription basis, giving riders the flexibility to pay monthly for usage rather than bearing the full cost at the time of purchase.
The idea behind BaaS is to lower the entry barrier for EV adoption. Batteries typically account for nearly 40% of an electric scooter’s price, making them one of the biggest cost components. By separating the battery cost from the scooter, Ather enables customers to buy the vehicle at a significantly reduced price while choosing a subscription plan that suits their daily usage and budget. This model not only improves affordability but also increases flexibility for urban commuters.
Another advantage of the BaaS approach is the long-term reliability it offers. Ather will remain responsible for the health, maintenance, and replacement of the battery during the subscription period. This alleviates consumer concerns about battery degradation, which has often been a hesitation point for EV buyers. Riders can enjoy consistent performance without worrying about expensive replacements, as Ather ensures battery life-cycle management through its advanced thermal and charging systems.
The BaaS model is also aligned with the growing ecosystem of battery swapping and charging networks. While Ather already has its proprietary fast-charging network, this new service paves the way for greater scalability in the future. Customers on subscription can benefit from updates, replacements, and even future battery technology upgrades without having to buy a new scooter altogether.
With this launch, Ather Energy is not only making EVs more affordable but also redefining ownership patterns in the two-wheeler industry. Much like how subscription models have transformed sectors such as entertainment and cloud services, Ather’s BaaS could be a game-changer in mobility. By shifting the focus from ownership to usage, the company is strengthening its position in India’s rapidly expanding EV market while setting a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow.
