[TusharK]

Ather Energy has introduced a new riding mode called 'SmartEco' on its 450X and 450 Plus e-scooters. The new mode is said to maximize range while reducing the impact on performance.



According to Ather, the SmartEco mode regulates the amount of power available by dynamically adjusting the maximum acceleration. These adjustments are made depending on the riding style, road condition and on whether the user is riding solo or with a pillion.

The SmartEco mode is part of the latest OTA update released by the company. To get the latest software, users are required to have the Ather Connect Pro subscription plan.

The Ather 450X and 450 Plus comes equipped with a 2.9 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor with an output of 3.3 kW. The peak output for the 450X and 450 Plus is 6 kW / 26Nm and 5.4 kW / 24 Nm, respectively.

The top-spec 450X offers a range of 85 km, while the 450 Plus can cover 70 km on a single charge.

Link to Team-BHP News

[bgt_titan]

I received the notification about the update on Sunday, and installed in my scooter immediately. I use my Ather 450x primarily for school runs in the morning (~6 kms each way), and having used this new mode in the last couple of days, my immediate reactions are not very good. The power bar is very sensitive to usage, and when I used it like I used the eco mode normally then I ran out of power very soon. In fact, after a couple of kilometers my kid requested that we use the car tomorrow because he felt that the scooter was being very very slow. I immediately turned back to the normal eco mode and the experience was immediately better. I did try the Smart ECO mode again on the return trip home, and realized that only if we use the acceleration in very gradual slow mode will the power bar not turn red soon. I will continue to test the mode over the next few weeks, but the early feeling is that it demands too much of change in driving style to get the best out of this mode.

P.S. I don’t drive faster than 50 kmph on the scooter, and it is 40 kmph with my son onboard. After using power to climb a small incline, the scooter gave up power and refused to speed beyond 25-30 kmph. Adding this detail here to explain that I was not trying to push the scooter to it’s limits or drive in a very demanding manner.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by TusharK

... regulates the amount of power available by dynamically adjusting the maximum acceleration. These adjustments are made depending on the riding style, road condition and on whether the user is riding solo or with a pillion.

I got this update and I was excited to use it, but do keep in mind that sudden accelerator movements (esp. when overtaking) don't result in any acceleration. A couple of times I was caught in the middle of an overtaking manoeuvre. Luckily I was able to switch to Sport mode in time.

This update is definitely not recommended for newbies or those not yet completely accustomed to the scooter. Thankfully it can be turned off from the settings.

[ynike99]

I got the update 3 days ago, and using it instead of eco mode. It works only when you are solo and scooter doesn't have any load, like no incline, no second passenger. It essentially gives you power which is somewhat between eco and ride mode till 40-45kmph, and you cant go all beserk in this mode, else the blue bar depletes and you are at 30ish kmph.