Ather Unveils New ‘EL’ Scooter Platform, Fast Charging Tech At Ather Community Day 2025
- By MT Bureau
- August 31, 2025
L-R: Swapnil Jain, Co-Founder & CTO, Ather Energy and Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, Ather Energy with the EL platform and REDUX concept e-scooter.
Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler major Ather Energy unveiled its new scooter platform ‘EL’ and a suite of advanced technologies at its annual Community Day event. The new platform is designed to be more versatile, scalable and cost-effective, marking the company’s first major vehicle architecture since the launch of the 450 series.
Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, Ather Energy, said, “With the EL platform, we are laying the foundation for Ather’s next phase of growth. Just as the 450 defined our first chapter, EL will define the next, enabling us to develop multiple types of scooters at scale far more efficiently. This platform-first approach enables faster innovation and improved efficiency, serviceability, and rider experience. EL reflects years of learning, deep R&D, and engineering. Our new factory at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will scale with EL platform products to meet growing demand effectively.”
In addition to the new platform, Ather announced several key technological and product updates:
- AtherStack 7.0: The latest version of Ather's software introduces voice-based interaction with the scooter. The system uses a large language model trained on Indian dialects, allowing for more natural conversations. New safety features like Pothole Alerts and Crash Alerts are also part of this update.
- Faster Charging: Ather unveiled a new 6 kW fast charger that is half the size of its predecessor and can add up to 30 km of range in just 10 minutes for select models. The new chargers will also feature built-in tyre inflators.
- Infinite Cruise: This new advanced cruise control system is specifically designed for Indian riding conditions. It offers three modes – CityCruise, Hill Control and Crawl Control – that adapt to different environments, from city traffic to steep inclines and uneven roads.
- Product Updates: The Rizta family scooter will now feature a touchscreen dashboard and a new ‘Terracotta Red’ colour. An ‘Eco Mode’ will also be added to balance performance with range. Additionally, the Ather Halo smart helmet has been updated with new safety and convenience features.
Ather also showed off a concept moto-scooter called Redux, which provides a glimpse into the company's future vision for performance and rider-vehicle interaction. The concept features a lightweight aluminium frame, 3D-printed components and a user interface that adapts to the rider's posture and intent.
The new EL platform and software updates position Ather to expand its product line and continue its growth in the electric two-wheeler market. The company’s new factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is expected to scale up production to meet the anticipated demand for vehicles built on the EL platform.
Swapnil Jain, Co-Founder & CTO, Ather Energy, said, “At Ather, we have always focused on simplifying technology and making it mainstream for riders. With AtherStack 7.0, we’re bringing AI into everyday riding through an LLM (Large Language Model) trained for our use cases and tuned to Indian dialects. Voice is the first step in that journey, an interface beyond buttons that makes rides smarter, safer, and more intuitive. It also makes our existing suite of AtherStack 7.0 features more accessible and mainstream for everyday use.”
VinFast Plots E-Scooter With Battery-Swap Tech For India Market
- By MT Bureau
- January 31, 2026
Vietnamese automotive company VinFast has unveiled a global business strategy for its electric scooter division, identifying the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia as its initial markets. The expansion follows the company’s performance in Vietnam, where it delivered 406,453 units in 2025 to secure the largest share of the domestic scooter market.
The company plans to introduce a portfolio of models including the VinFast Flazz, Evo, Feliz II and Viper e-scooters, which will come with battery-swapping technology.
VinFast has completed a master plan for three product lines categorised as mainstream, premium and sport. To support these products, the company is collaborating with V-Green to establish charging and battery-swapping infrastructure.
The Philippines will become the first market in this phase, where VinFast has partnered with five dealers: Maverick Racing Factory Inc., MotorCentral, New Nemar Development Corp., Supremebike Corporation and ARC Trading. Globally, the company targets the establishment of hundreds of retail outlets by 2027. The commercial model integrates dealer networks, workshops and financial solutions.
The strategy focuses on regions with high urban mobility demand and shifts toward sustainable transport. VinFast intends to use its manufacturing capabilities and a pricing strategy to compete in the regional scooter segment.
Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director, VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said, "Expanding our e-scooter business globally represents a strategic pillar in VinFast's long-term development roadmap. We have conducted in-depth market research, worked closely with local partners, and developed comprehensive plans for dealer network expansion, product portfolios, and service ecosystems. Through collaboration with reputable dealers and strategic partners worldwide, VinFast is committed to delivering smart, sustainable, and accessible electrified mobility solutions, contributing meaningfully to the green transformation of transportation in diverse markets."
Classic Legends Opens National Training Centre At Pithampur Facility
- By MT Bureau
- January 30, 2026
In a significant step to elevate service standards across its network, Classic Legends has inaugurated an advanced National Training Centre at its Pithampur facility in Indore. This centre represents a substantial investment in cultivating future-ready talent through superior training infrastructure. Its core purpose is to enhance the technical competency of dealership technicians and service professionals, thereby standardising repair practices and ensuring consistent aftersales excellence.
The facility is equipped with cutting-edge resources, including a modern showroom, smart classrooms and specialised laboratories for engine, electrical and advanced troubleshooting work. Supported by latest diagnostic tools, it offers a structured learning pathway from foundational to advanced skill levels. The training emphasises hands-on, skill-oriented education in real-world diagnostics and precision repair, fostering deep root cause analysis capabilities.
Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the company's entire service ecosystem. It is designed to nurture highly skilled professionals and robustly support advanced training programmes. This investment ensures Classic Legends' expanding community of riders receives reliable, high-quality support, reinforcing a superior ownership experience for all its motorcycle enthusiasts.
Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “As our brands continue to grow, strengthening our service capability ecosystem becomes extremely important. The Advanced National Training Centre is a strategic investment in people, skills and infrastructure, aimed at building future-ready technicians and standardising service excellence across our network. This centre will play an important role in ensuring every JAWA, YEZDI and BSA rider enjoys a consistent and high-quality ownership experience.”
Vespa Gallops Into Year Of Horse With New 946 Model And AL VENTO Fashion Drop
- By MT Bureau
- January 29, 2026
Vespa has expanded its Lunar Collection with two new releases that embody elegance and symbolic meaning for the Year of the Horse: the limited-edition Vespa 946 Horse scooter and the IN SELLA fashion capsule, the third drop of the AL VENTO collection. The scooter is a tribute to the horse's regal and resilient spirit, while the apparel line offers a contemporary sartorial interpretation of the same theme, both crafted with meticulous Italian artistry.
The Vespa 946 Horse distinguishes itself through a deep bay colour, mirroring the glossy coat of a horse. Its steel body is reimagined with contrasting matte and gloss finishes, accented by refined golden details such as the V monogram set within a horseshoe beneath the saddle. Exemplifying Italian craftsmanship, the model features a hand-stitched leather saddle inspired by equestrian tack, with matching premium leather trims on the handlebars and mirrors. A coordinated set of accessories includes a practical leather rear bag and a jet helmet adorned with a three-dimensional gold V, reinforcing the edition’s strong identity.
Parallel to the scooter, the IN SELLA fashion collection is designed for those who view style as an authentic personal expression. It introduces a new Royal crest, a contemporary graphic featuring a symmetrically mirrored horse and dachshund, inspired by Vespa’s archives. This emblem is showcased on a wool varsity jacket enhanced with gold embroidery. The line utilises a timeless navy blue palette, with knitwear incorporating the V monogram and stitching details reminiscent of saddlery. The offering includes modern sweatshirts, T-shirts and an ironic poplin shirt depicting a man in a Vespa helmet and a horse enjoying espresso together. Completing the lifestyle range is the Vespa Royal blanket, crafted in soft wool with a jacquard logo and contrasting red fringes.
The Vespa 946 Horse is now available for pre-order on the company website and at the VESPA THE EMPTY SPACE store in Milan, where it is exclusively displayed. The IN SELLA collection launches simultaneously for purchase online and at the Milan store, where the matching Horse helmet will also be available for preview ahead of its limited release on 10 February.
KTM 390 Adventure R Launched In India
- By MT Bureau
- January 29, 2026
KTM has launched its global-specification 390 Adventure R in India, with an ex-showroom Delhi price of INR 377,915, delivering rally-bred performance and uncompromised international hardware to the local adventure riding community. This model firmly expands the KTM R stable and redefines the potential of a middleweight adventure motorcycle.
At the heart of its rally-inspired design is a potent 399 cc engine, supported by a purpose-built chassis that promotes a low centre of gravity and nimble handling. The motorcycle is distinguished by its true off-road wheel setup, featuring a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel, combined with 230 mm of fully adjustable WP suspension. This configuration provides exceptional obstacle clearance, trail stability and precise rider feedback on the most challenging terrain.
Electronically, the 390 Adventure R is equipped to inspire confidence across all surfaces. Its suite includes Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS, enhancing safety and control during aggressive pavement riding. When the route turns to loose dirt, sand or gravel, the dedicated OFF ROAD Ride Mode and OFF ROAD ABS allow for controlled rear-wheel slip and locking, facilitating expert-level off-road manoeuvres. These electronic settings are persistently retained, even after an engine stall, ensuring immediate readiness to continue the journey.
Ergonomically, the motorcycle is crafted for serious adventure, offering an upright riding position, off-road footpegs and a rally-style windscreen designed for all-day comfort during long tours or technical trail riding. Interaction is facilitated through a modern 5-inch full-colour TFT display, which offers customisable data and excellent visibility. The system is further enhanced by KTMconnect, enabling smartphone integration for calls, music and optional navigation directly on the instrument cluster, while a standard USB Type-C port keeps devices charged. This combination of uncompromised hardware, advanced electronics and connected technology positions the KTM 390 Adventure R as a uniquely capable and comprehensive adventure platform.
Manik Nangia, President – Probiking, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “The KTM 390 Adventure R represents the purest expression of KTM’s rally and off-road DNA in the middleweight adventure segment. By bringing the international-spec model to India, we are offering adventure enthusiasts a machine that delivers confidence everywhere – on the road, off the road and beyond.”

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