Ather Energy, one of the few Indian EV makers to build its own nationwide fast-charging network, is preparing to roll out the next generation of its Grid fast chargers. With more than 4,300 charging points already active across India, the new Gen-2 Grid chargers are set to bring a major step-up in performance and design.
More Compact, Much Faster
The new chargers are slimmer and more compact compared to the existing Grid units, making them easier to install in tighter urban spaces. But the big leap forward is expected in speed — sources indicate the Gen-2 Grid will deliver up to twice the charging rate of the current model.
For context, today’s Grid chargers replenish an Ather scooter at around 1.5km of range per minute, while Hero’s Vida scooters — which use the same open-source connector — charge at about 1.2km per minute. With the Gen-2 system, these numbers could potentially double, dramatically reducing charging downtime for riders.
Compatible Beyond Ather
Just like the current setup, the new Grid chargers will support not only Ather scooters but also Hero’s Vida EV range, thanks to the shared connector standard. This opens the door for more cross-brand fast-charging convenience across India’s growing two-wheeler EV market.
Rollout and Pricing
The new chargers have already begun appearing at select Bengaluru locations and will expand gradually across the country. A full-scale rollout is expected after their official unveiling at Ather’s Community Day on August 30, where the company is also set to showcase its all-new EL scooter platform.
As of now, Ather’s fast-charging service is billed at ₹1 per minute, translating to roughly ₹1 per km of range. Whether this pricing structure will change with the faster Gen-2 Grid remains to be seen.
Charging Policy Stays the Same
One practice that will continue is the automatic charging cutoff at 80% state of charge (SOC). Ather says this approach helps preserve battery health and ensures faster charger availability for more users.
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