[anilntny]

I own an Ather 450x series 1 special edition. It is 3 years old and out of warranty.
My Ather 450X recently crossed 15,000 km. Four months ago, I faced a battery degradation issue, and although the warranty had expired after three years, Ather offered to repair the battery for free and even provided a loaner battery during the repair period. I was genuinely impressed by their support at the time, even though it took few emails and phone calls.

After the repair, the scooter performed well for the next four months, which restored my confidence in EVs. In fact, I was so reassured that I decided to take the plunge and purchase a Tata Punch EV, which I am set to receive next week.

Unfortunately, my experience with the Ather 450X has taken a turn for the worse. The battery performance has deteriorated significantly, and now the scooter barely manages to run 12 km on a full charge. This has completely shaken my trust in EVs.

I’m now deeply concerned about my decision to invest in another EV. While I still believe in the potential of electric vehicles, these recurring issues have left me questioning their reliability.
Now the shocking surprise is that Ather has not responded to my email even after 24 hours, apart from the usual automated kind of replay.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by anilntny

I was genuinely impressed by their support at the time, even though it took few emails and phone calls.

After the repair, the scooter performed well for the next four months, which restored my confidence in EVs. In fact, I was so reassured that I decided to take the plunge and purchase a Tata Punch EV, which I am set to receive next week.

Unfortunately, my experience with the Ather 450X has taken a turn for the worse. The battery performance has deteriorated significantly, and now the scooter barely manages to run 12 km on a full charge. This has completely shaken my trust in EVs.

Quiet the contrasting experience isn't it. I guess your battery is a lemon or some problem with the electronics. Escalate it to higher staff and see. There is not much you can do now.

I’m now deeply concerned about my decision to invest in another EV. While I still believe in the potential of electric vehicles, these recurring issues have left me questioning their reliability.
Now the shocking surprise is that Ather has not responded to my email even after 24 hours, apart from the usual automated kind of replay.

I don't see why one bad experience should lead to a loss in confidence of an entire enterprise. I would still keep hope and go ahead with the EV Car.

[anilntny]

The first battery repair took around four weeks, and while I couldn't complain because they provided a loaner battery and free repair, reaching that point required several emails and a lot of effort. Now, facing the same issue with the repaired battery and having to go through the same ordeal again makes me really worried.

[MinivanDriver]

Irrespective of what happened previously, I think the best course of action is to report to Ather and see what they say. Otherwise the scooter will have to be scrapped is n't it? Since it is a recently replaced battery, there is a possibility that the sensing associated with the state of charge estimation may have a problem that could be fixed. So I recommend you report it to Ather, follow up and escalate as necessary and hope for the best outcome. While at it, please report it back in this thread. Having the extra visibility would certainly help your cause.

[Vmk1950]

Originally Posted by anilntny

I own an Ather 450x series 1 special edition. It is 3 years old and out of warranty.
My Ather 450X recently crossed 15,000 km. Four months ago, I faced a battery degradation issue, and although the warranty had expired after three years, Ather offered to repair the battery for free and even provided a loaner battery during the repair period. I was genuinely impressed by their support at the time, even though it took few emails and phone calls

Since the warranty period of three years is over, I dont expect Ather to entertain any warranty claim on it.

Lithium batteries are unknown angels. We dont know how long it will work. Hence it is better to choose an EV ( car / scooter) which offers long battery warranty. Some companies these days offer warranty of ten years for their EV battery while some others offer life time warranty on specific models( Mahindra).

Repairing Lithium Ion batteries are not popular and successful in India. Lead Acid batteries used in ICE vehicles are easily repairable. Unless the battery manufacturer offers factory reconditioned batteries at half the cost ( as a thumb rule new ev battery costs about 25-30% of the vehicle cost) more and more such issues will happen.

This will surely happen but it requires a viable volume of EVs.

The only option you have now is to buy a new battery ( please check warranty period - compare price) and use your Ather again.

[anilntny]

Originally Posted by MinivanDriver

Irrespective of what happened previously, I think the best course of action is to report to Ather and see what they say. Otherwise the scooter will have to be scrapped is n't it? Since it is a recently replaced battery, there is a possibility that the sensing associated with the state of charge estimation may have a problem that could be fixed. So I recommend you report it to Ather, follow up and escalate as necessary and hope for the best outcome. While at it, please report it back in this thread. Having the extra visibility would certainly help your cause.

They never replaced battery, all they did was some kind of repair, may be replaced a bad cell. Seeing the poor response or no response at all, from Ather, it's time for me to scrap it!

[Jeroen]

As others suggested, I think you need to get this issue investigated. It might not be the battery at all. Could be a charging or some electronic issue.

Sometimes repairs don’t solve the problem. Happens all the time. There could be all sorts of reason. Poor diagnosis, poor workmanship ship, a genuine error of the mechanic or even een faulty new part.

Brand new faulty parts is not uncommon. Even with my limited spannering experience I have come across 3/4 faulty brand new part in the last 18 months!

These things happens and they are not brand specific. It should not, but it does, so better accept and deal with it.

Jeroen

[FiatDiesel]

What’s the price of replacement with new battery of your Ather in case that’s the only option left?

[abhisheksahas]

I concur with the above comments. This needs a thorough investigation, and there is no reason to be alarmed about EV's. There have been cases of ICE vehicles that have turned out to the lemon's ( a few stories on the forum ), and yet nobody goes up in arms against ICE vehicles.
What's happened with you is unfortunate, and hopefully a diagnosis followed by a rectification.

P.S For anybody else who might be on the fence, on buying an Ather:

For a nominal amount of Rs 4999, Ather has started offering 8 years / 80,000 Km warranty on their vehicle batteries, with a guaranteed 70% battery health. This should hopefully alleviate concerns.

[rahul_kej]

I purchased Ather Rizta few months back for which I opted for extended warranty of battery which includes 5 years or 60000km which ever comes first and guarantees minimum 70% battery life.

Few days back I got an option to upgrade the battery warranty to 8years or 80000kms whichever comes first for Rs. 5,000. I opted for it immediately. Its very important to go for maximum warranty plan for EV's as it gives complete peace of mind.

[Rohitthebest]

This is shocking.
I hope team Ather looks into it and provides a free replacement.
My wife has been using her Ather 450X for the last two years with 30K+ KMs in Odo with no issues till today (touching wood). Full charge still returns 85KM on Ride mode with 70KM on Sports as it was at the very start when we initially bought it.

[Overtune26]

Coincidentally just saw your post after watching a video on EVs and how this creator is promoting Ather's battery tech and that it is one of the best battery tech available in two wheeler market segment.
Link to the video:

https://youtu.be/J_Ol6ZRC1_s?si=XqrHW2Ze-yKYu_JR

Still you can check out Ather's battery warranty program in which they provide warranty for 8 years or 80,000km with the battery health above 70%. It comes with the additional charges of 4,999

[Rshrey22]

There could be a parasitic drain in your scooter, it would be good idea to get it thoroughly checked before going for a new battery or any other repairs

[DDV437]

This is a speedbump in your EV journey for sure, but don't let this influence you in to taking drastic measures like scrapping your scooter.

There is a tendency for manufacturers to wash their hands off the product once the warranty ends, but I feel that Ather being a smaller company, who still has a reputation to build, won't let this fall to the wayside. Let Ather figure it out.

[B5glider]

Please hold on and let Ather say what the next steps are. This is too quick a time to even decide to scrap a scooter, which otherwise was very good to hold.
Meanwhile, just check with Ather if battery degradation is connected with low usage or recharge patterns so that it would be useful for others to follow. For me, 3 years and 15000 km doesn't justify an EV! And one question, What was the battery range when you reported the issue last time and got your battery replaced, please?