Bengaluru, India – Electric scooter manufacturer Ather Energy has announced the expansion of its research and development (R&D) and testing capabilities at its product testing and validation center, ‘The Juggernaut,’ located in Begur, Bengaluru. This move is aimed at strengthening the quality, reliability, and performance of Ather’s electric scooters while accelerating the product development lifecycle.
Spanning an area of 38,692 square feet, the enhanced facility is designed to validate the durability and safety of Ather’s products across vehicle, system, and component levels, including on-road endurance. The facility now includes dedicated labs for structural durability, battery testing, electrical and electronics reliability, and vehicle environment testing.
Commitment to EV Technology and Testing
Swapnil Jain, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ather Energy, emphasized the importance of rigorous testing in the evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape. He highlighted that EVs differ fundamentally from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and require meticulous testing to ensure performance and safety.
“Our products go through rigorous tests that are designed around Indian riding conditions and extreme usage scenarios, reflecting how customers use our scooters,” Jain stated.
Simulating Indian Road Conditions
Ather Energy follows a layered validation approach, ensuring comprehensive testing at every stage of development. The facility now features a 4 DOF Road Simulator and MTS 334 road load simulator, allowing engineers to replicate real-world road conditions and conduct targeted tests on critical systems like suspension and frame structures. This approach facilitates early detection of design issues, optimizes performance, and reduces modification costs.
Ather’s commitment to robust testing extends beyond simulations. The company ensures its scooters undergo multiple real-world tests to withstand the demands of Indian roads, enhancing durability and ride comfort.
R&D Investments and Future Growth
Ather currently operates three R&D facilities in Bengaluru, one of which is officially recognized as an in-house R&D unit by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). The company’s R&D expenditure as of December 31, 2024, stood at ₹238.8 crore, accounting for 15% of its revenue from operations. Additionally, nearly 46% of Ather’s workforce is dedicated to R&D efforts.
The company’s product portfolio includes the Ather 450 and Rizta, catering to both performance and convenience-focused customer segments. Ather’s manufacturing operations include two plants in Hosur, Tamil Nadu—one for vehicle assembly and another for battery production—along with an upcoming facility in Bidkin, Maharashtra.
Competing in a Growing EV Market
As the Indian EV market grows, Ather Energy faces competition from major players such as Ola Electric, Bajaj, Ampere, Hero MotoCorp, and TVS Motor Company. Many of these competitors are making significant investments in R&D and expanding their operations to strengthen their market presence.
With the expansion of ‘The Juggernaut,’ Ather Energy reaffirms its commitment to innovation and high-quality manufacturing, positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving electric mobility sector.
